My Two Dads

From day one of my relationship with Scott, Marty has treated me as his daughter. I can feel his love, his admiration and his respect for me. He has taken the time through the years to get to know me as me - not just as his son's wife.

It takes a strong man to demonstrate sincere affection to his sons (and their wives). Clearly he loves his sons but it is obvious that he likes and admires them for the fine men they are as well. Marty is a big-hearted and charming man. I appreciate the fact that he passed on those commendable qualities to his three sons.

Some other admirable qualities he passed along to his sons are a strong moral compass, respect, practicality, a wicked sense of humor, a fondness for tradition and a passion for, well, passions...whatever they may be.

Marty worked hard for many years as a store-owner which required long and demanding hours of him. Although his rigorous work schedule made it difficult for him to participate in all the things he may have wanted to with his sons, he still found time and energy for one particular activity... Cub Scouts. An Eagle Scout himself, he carried on the Scouting tradition in his own family by serving as Cubmaster. When the two older boys were already involved in Boy Scouts and Scott was too young, it was Marty who formed a group for younger boys like Scott to participate, the Tiger Cubs.

As Scott and I know all too well from our personal experience, having a business in the family can be a blessing - and a curse. Even though the family business often kept Dad away from the family, now that everyone is grown it is evident that Marty was parenting even from work. He was teaching his sons the important lessons of responsibility and dedication. There were times when the business itself created unique opportunities for father and sons to bond. Although Scott's two older brothers worked at the store much longer than rebellious Scott, they all share memories of times spent working toward the shared goal of building and maintaining the family livelihood. What of more value could be gained from family togetherness?

Marty is a father who has succeeded at what is the highest calling of fatherhood: To serve as a steadfast example to his children - through all that life presents - leading them toward becoming their own best selves.

Not only that, but he has earned the enduring affection of all six of his loving children. Oh, and rumor has it that there are six grandchildren who are extremely fond of him and that the feeling is mutual...

Thank you, Marty, for fathering the wonderful man who is my husband! I am indeed blessed to have not just one, but two inspirational men in my life who have shown me the best of a man so that I can recognize and appreciate those qualities in the man who is my partner for life.