Dear Jim Gaffigan,
Thank you. Seriously, man: thank you. (See how I mean business when it's in italics?)
Since my wife and I took the plunge into parenthood, I've come across a flood of articles and books lauding the divine role of having kids, and don't get me wrong, I truly love it. It's been one of the most fulfilling roles I've ever experienced, and the good days, when I can't even believe how fortunate I am to be a father, far outweigh the bad days.
But when the bad days come, a gushing mommy blog--you know, in the style of the sadly defunct & satirical seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com--isn't going to cut it. At these times, I need to commiserate with other parents that have been up all night or treaded the delicate balance of putting a toddler to a bed. I know raising kids is divine, but I need to briefly vent about it every now and then.
And this is where your book, Dad is Fat, has been a lifesaver.
First of all, bless you for the number of kids you've brought into this world. (Or, bless your wife for being so fertile. Either way.) We've only had two kiddos, and I'm not sure if we're ready for more. But your experiences with raising five kids (in NYC, even) have given me a tourist's glimpse into the parenting promised land. The journey is hard, but it seems to be worth it.
When I read your book, I was amazed at how you somehow make order of your life with so many little critters running around. My wife and I were rocking the raising of one baby, but the addition of another one a few months ago added what feels like a couple decades to our ages. My wife seems to be doing alright, because she's amazing, but I'm tired 24/7. Plus, I'm not getting any more naps. Boo hoo.
However, when I was tired and cranky with the newborn, especially in the worst hours of the night, I came to you for solace. The observations in your book are spot on, and although I'm not the kind of guy that generally laughs out loud, you had me chuckling, sir. Such small things, too, did it for me, like your descriptions of kids' birthday parties, or getting kids ready for the park. Ha: it's so true. So very true.
Your book felt like a conversation with someone who gets it--someone who's been in the trenches and doesn't attempt to sugarcoat it all. It was exactly what I needed to not feel like the worst father in the world. (Not that you're the worst father in the world. Surely there are worse out there. Hmmm, this isn't coming out right at all. I'm so sorry.)
Keep it up, Jim. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to write a book, and I don't know how you swung it with a far more tedious schedule than mine, but know that it's been worth it, at least to me.
Sincerely,
Daniel Potter
(P.S. I'm sorry I didn't buy your book--I borrowed it from a friend. However, if you ever find yourself strapped for cash, look me up, and I'll send a few bucks your way, depending on what part of the month it is.)
Thank you. Seriously, man: thank you. (See how I mean business when it's in italics?)
Since my wife and I took the plunge into parenthood, I've come across a flood of articles and books lauding the divine role of having kids, and don't get me wrong, I truly love it. It's been one of the most fulfilling roles I've ever experienced, and the good days, when I can't even believe how fortunate I am to be a father, far outweigh the bad days.
But when the bad days come, a gushing mommy blog--you know, in the style of the sadly defunct & satirical seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com--isn't going to cut it. At these times, I need to commiserate with other parents that have been up all night or treaded the delicate balance of putting a toddler to a bed. I know raising kids is divine, but I need to briefly vent about it every now and then.
And this is where your book, Dad is Fat, has been a lifesaver.
First of all, bless you for the number of kids you've brought into this world. (Or, bless your wife for being so fertile. Either way.) We've only had two kiddos, and I'm not sure if we're ready for more. But your experiences with raising five kids (in NYC, even) have given me a tourist's glimpse into the parenting promised land. The journey is hard, but it seems to be worth it.
When I read your book, I was amazed at how you somehow make order of your life with so many little critters running around. My wife and I were rocking the raising of one baby, but the addition of another one a few months ago added what feels like a couple decades to our ages. My wife seems to be doing alright, because she's amazing, but I'm tired 24/7. Plus, I'm not getting any more naps. Boo hoo.
However, when I was tired and cranky with the newborn, especially in the worst hours of the night, I came to you for solace. The observations in your book are spot on, and although I'm not the kind of guy that generally laughs out loud, you had me chuckling, sir. Such small things, too, did it for me, like your descriptions of kids' birthday parties, or getting kids ready for the park. Ha: it's so true. So very true.
Your book felt like a conversation with someone who gets it--someone who's been in the trenches and doesn't attempt to sugarcoat it all. It was exactly what I needed to not feel like the worst father in the world. (Not that you're the worst father in the world. Surely there are worse out there. Hmmm, this isn't coming out right at all. I'm so sorry.)
Keep it up, Jim. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to write a book, and I don't know how you swung it with a far more tedious schedule than mine, but know that it's been worth it, at least to me.
Sincerely,
Daniel Potter
(P.S. I'm sorry I didn't buy your book--I borrowed it from a friend. However, if you ever find yourself strapped for cash, look me up, and I'll send a few bucks your way, depending on what part of the month it is.)