This week it would have been my dad’s 76th birthday.  Unfortunately, he passed away a good few years ago, but I can imagine he’d have celebrated in style and ended up in a rum shop somewhere. 

I quietly reflected on the impact he had on my life, all the years I didn’t see him and the questions I never had a chance to ask him. Don’t worry, I’ve worked through it all now and accepted that we just don’t have control over some parts of our life stories. Michael also didn’t have the influence of a father figure when he was young, so it’s something that weirdly bonds us.

With this in mind we sometimes look at our little ones and are a bit envious, in a good way, about the fact they have both of us around quite a lot of the time, mainly due to the fact we have freelance jobs. 

Back in the day, I used to dream about my dad coming to see my primary school plays or even enter the dad’s race on sports day, so it was really lovely to see Michael and my son head out together to go and see the children’s show Here we be Monsters at the Rose Theatre.

I packed them some snacks and drinks and sent them on their way to catch the bus in to town. It filled me with so much warmth I could burst.

Needless to say they had a brilliant time, even though some parts were “too loud” according to my son, and Michael managed to let him fall into a puddle and get his trousers wet as they were walking back to the house

I guess what I have control over is how I live my life and try to think about the impact my actions have on my husband, children and those around me.

We can only do our best and hopefully try and make a positive impact on those we come in contact with.