"Daddy"

It's one of the most powerful words I know.  Hearing it brings up a sense of purpose, caring, responsibility, and most of all, Love.  I tucked Connor and Sara into bed tonight, and as I was leaving they both said "Goodnight Daddy".  I paused at the door, said I love you and closed the door.  Then I started thinking about the impact of that word.  "Daddy".  That's me.  I'm 45 years old and have been a father for almost 9 years yet I still love to hear that word from my kids.  It ranks right up there with "I love you".  Sometimes it surreal when I hear it.  There's something special about "Daddy".  More so than just "Dad" and "Pop" and the formal "Father".  "Daddy" is the version I prefer.  It's the one that has the most impact on me.  It's the one that encompasses the Love they feel toward me.  I wonder if it's me or other dads feel the warmth that words brings.  Now you can say I'm a softy, and I guess that's true, especially when it comes to my kids but I hope they keep using the word "Daddy" for a long long time.  Especially at night when they say "Goodnight Daddy".