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Ewan,

We recently traveled to Paris together. Everything about the experience was beautiful. The architecture. The food. The people. The wedding celebration we got to document. It was all perfect. After a few days I remember thinking that we hadn’t taken any personal photos. A few iPhone snaps here and there. But we hadn’t been taking selfies. Or asking random strangers to take a shot of us (while trusting they wouldn’t run off with our camera). I sort of had a moment of panic. Worrying that we weren’t documenting this beautiful place and our time away together. When I shared my worry with you, I thought maybe it would change things, making us take more images. But you just smiled and told me the reason you weren’t picking up your camera for personal shots was simple. You were too busy enjoying the beauty right there in the moment with me that you didn’t dare put a camera between your face and the world. Being present in the moment was worth a million memories to you. And I fell in love with you all over again.

I remember at your grandfather’s funeral that someone said he was the type of man who listened. He never interrupted. Or waited for his turn to jump into the conversation. He sat and listened and genuinely heard what the other person was saying. And that in his quiet way he was always taking in the moment. As soon as the words hit the air, they resonated with me. I knew that the same is true of you. You have the patience of a snail trying to travel a million miles. When our girls are so excited that they are doing nothing but rambling and making nonsensical sounds, you wait. Patiently. Attentively. Quietly waiting for them to find their words and share with you. I know when you try a new dish at a restaurant not to say anything to you at first. You slowly take a bite. And then another. If you like it you slowly nod your head up and down in silence. If you’re not sure, you give it another try without judgement. You truly find the beauty in everything. From the way the evening light falls across the sidewalk. To the way a lock of hair falls across our daughter’s faces. To the perfect combination of garlic and heat in your homemade barbecue sauce. You are so present in your life. My life. Rachel and Sarah Elizabeth’s lives. You see so much beauty in everything around you. And it’s beautiful to watch.

Our daughters are beyond lucky to have you as their father. There aren’t enough words in my vocabulary to properly describe their fortune. Maybe not even enough words in the universe. You are their sun. Moon. Stars. Entire world. Watching the way they look at you is beautiful. Watching the way you look at them, even more so. We are so lucky and blessed to have you in our lives. You are what makes our family go round. You are good. Today on Father’s Day, and always, I hope you know how loved you are. You inspire me to slow down and appreciate the little things. I love you. Forever. xoxo

- Brianna (and Rachel and Sarah Elizabeth)