Charlie Brown got it right: it doesn’t take much to make a dad happy. I’m a dad. I should know.
Happiness is such a coy thing, especially in our convoluted, busy, scary, utterly confusing world. As a parent, the worries that directly conflict with happiness exponentially increase as I wonder whether my kid will have a successful, blissful life.
And those are the times when it’s important to remember what being a Happy Dad is all about. Below is a list of things that bring cheer to this father’s existence:
- Laughing at Ryan Higa / D-Trix / Smosh / other loony videos with my daughter once a week for her special hour with Dad and Mom
- Cuddling on the couch in front of a warm fire (on Green burn days only, of course) and watching a movie
- Listening to my daughter and wife chat about whatever’s happening in life in a way only they can share
- Watching my daughter’s dog relax on her bed — and not wanting to leave when I call
- Getting those occasional hugs and kisses from a 15-year-old who “tolerates” my existence
- Chatting in the car about any and everything, or just sitting in silence. Daddy / Daughter time is priceless
- Seeing my smart, creative, beautiful daughter grow into the person she wants to be
Yeah, I’m happy. Who wouldn’t be?
Dave in the Life 