I’m dead asleep when I feel two boulders land on my chest, threatening to end my life right here right now. My eyes snap open as a pained gasp gets ripped from my throat.

“Gentle! I said be gentle!” It’s your voice that I hear when the pain slowly eases, scolding the boulders for knocking the wind right out of me. But it’s not boulders, no. Just our two kids very eager to wake me up.

Luke, our 4 year old son, climbs off of me with a pout, sad about getting scolded by you. But, Calliope, our 2 year old, stays happily on my chest. Despite my ribs feeling like they’re broken, a smile grows on my face.

“Happy Daddy day!” Luke squeals when he sees my open eyes, nearly throwing himself at me again.

I sit up straighter, holding Callie to chest. My eyes instinctively drift to you, just like they have been for the past 6 years of our marriage, and 8 years of us being together. You stand by my side of the bed, a smile just like mine on your face as you watch our kids.

“We made you presents, Daddy!” Luke announces happily, jumping up and down on the bed.

“Peasants!” Callie tries her best.

“You did?! Guys, you didn’t have to do that for me!” I animate myself for my kids, something I’ve learned to do and grown to love. The smiles it brings to their faces are unmatched.

“We wanted to, Daddy! We love you!” And my heart melts in my chest.

I stare up at you with glassy eyes, seeing a mirrored expression on your face. I know it’s father’s day, but I feel like I should be the one thanking you. You gave me this life, gave me my children. I’m eternally grateful and indebted to you.

God, if our kids weren’t here, I’d kiss your face off.