Beth’s dad.

It seems only fitting that I post this piece on Father’s Day about my husband, Beth’s dad.

Where do I begin? I suppose at the moment my husband and I realised that something was ‘wrong’ when Beth was born. I remember he sat holding my hand, just a little too hard, and stroking my head telling me that ‘everything was going to be ok’; when in reality he was trying to reassure himself too.

I have written and talked much about Beth’s sisters and myself but to be honest always, and I mean always, throughout the past 22 years ‘quiet, strong and utterly dependable’ describes how Beth’s dad has been, not just for her but us all.

I recall, a few weeks after Beth was born, we were sent away for a couple of hours to await test results and a meeting with a specialist. My husband took me for a walk where we met, by chance, a group of adults with learning disabilities out for a day trip. I am ashamed to admit now, that I remember turning to my husband and crying that I didn’t want this for our lives, I was frightened. He simply took my shoulders, made me face him and said.. ‘who cares what is different about Beth? She is ours and we love her, we will face all of this together and that is that’. In his no-nonsense, practical and loving way (that sometimes utterly infuriates me!) my husband put everything into perspective.

Beth’s dad has sat by her hospital bed for hours on end and has wept tears of heartbreaking sadness and unending joy. He has cheered her on and run by her side in cross country races and sport days and prayed in earnest when things have been very dark. He has been, and still is, Beth’s most fiercest advocate. He has kept me going when I have hit rock bottom, physically and emotionally, whilst still going to work even when he is exhausted himself. He continually strives to ensure Beth will have nothing to worry about when we, as parents, are no longer here to support her.

He is immensely proud of Beth’s achievements and this is clear for everyone to see, as the love shines out of his eyes as he watches over her.

This quiet (not always!) and at times unassuming man is the rock that is Beth’s dad, and we are eternally blessed that he is a constant in all of our lives.