Father’s Day always makes me pause and reflect on just how blessed I’ve been by the father figures in my life.
My dad, stepdad, and father-in-law have each played such an important role in my life, and over the last few years, they’ve also played a role in helping build Lolly & Laddie. They’ve spent countless hours at the warehouse unloading shipments, sorting inventory, packing orders, moving boxes, and helping with whatever needed to be done. Their support has never gone unnoticed and I’m so grateful for the example they’ve set of showing up for the people you love.
This year, Father’s Day feels a little different as this is the first Father’s Day for the dad in our house.
A year ago, we were still waiting to meet our little boy. Now somehow we’re just days away from his first birthday. Watching the man I love become a father has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. There is something so special about watching someone you already admire step into a completely new role and somehow become even more incredible.
He’s the first one on the floor playing, the one making silly noises to get a laugh, the one carrying a toddler on his shoulders through the warehouse, and the one who somehow always knows exactly how to turn tears into giggles.
At the same time, he’s been my biggest supporter behind the scenes of Lolly & Laddie.
When shipments arrive by the hundreds, he’s there helping unload them. When cardboard boxes pile up, he’s breaking them down. When packages need dropped off, he’s loading the car and making post office runs. When the trash is overflowing, he’s taking it out. When I feel overwhelmed trying to balance being a mom, a wife, and a business owner, he’s there reminding me that we will figure it out together.
The truth is, I couldn’t do any of this without him.
While I may be the one posting on social media, answering emails, or sharing updates, there are so many people behind the scenes helping make this dream possible. This business was built with a lot of love, a lot of support, and a lot of family.
As I sit here reflecting on the past year, I can’t help but feel emotional thinking about how much life has changed. Watching our son grow from a tiny newborn into the busy, curious, happy little boy he is today has been the greatest gift. Getting to watch him become a dad along the way has been a gift too.
Today I’m celebrating all the dads, stepdads, grandpas, and father figures who love so deeply and give so much of themselves every day.
I’m also thinking of those who are missing their dads, spending the day apart from loved ones because of work or deployment, navigating difficult relationships, longing to become a parent, or carrying a heavy heart today. Father’s Day can bring joy, gratitude, grief, and everything in between.
Wherever today finds you, I hope you know you’re seen.
Happy Father’s Day from our family to yours!
Madison
Founder & Owner, Lolly & Laddie Boutique