Parramatta Eels fathers Junior Paulo and Brad Takairangi have penned heartfelt letters to their daughters on Father's Day.
Hearts will be melted.
Junior Paulo
Father’s Day isn’t just one day a year for me, Father’s Day is everyday for me.
The day I met my first daughter Rosalina, I experienced emotions I never thought existed.
Her birth happened all so fast.
She wasted no time entering this world.
She was actually born in the waiting room of the birthing unit and delivered by paramedics.
She is the spitting image of her mother.
Now, I’m not one to cry or show any emotions but we’ll just say I had a bit of dust in my eye when she was born.
After having our first child, a boy Mario-Cade, I had already thought of the day we’ll play footy in the backyard and do what boys do.
But, once Rosalina was born I had this soft hearted love and a rush of instinctive protection knowing daddy now has a little girl.
Our third child Harmony was a little more stubborn and decided to take her time.
I knew she was already taking after dad’s attitude.
My daughter’s give me strength everyday and they’re the reason I get up every day to do what I do.
Knowing they’re at home waiting for me or cheering from the sidelines, I know I’m doing what I do for them.
Dad has to be Captain Courageous for them doesn’t he?
Or at least that’s what I think!
But I know I will always have imperfections.
I want to give them an understanding of courage through my actions, not only on the footy field but off the field.
It’s a different feeling with my girls because I’m always so protective of them.
Little do they know, they give me all the courage I need in life.
Becoming a dad, I knew I had to be brave.
I hope to be an example of hard work, determination and faith knowing that whatever it is in life they want to do they are doing it best.
I want them to know that nothing in life comes easy or free and that they’re a product of their environment.
They’re going to make mistakes while growing up but it’s how they learn from them that will define what they do in life.
All I hope for is for good health and that I’ve guided them through life with knowledge and prayer.
Whatever they want to do in life, I’ll happily support but if it’s footy than maybe dad will be that tad bit happier.
To them, Dad playing footy is like a day/night out on the weekends to hang out with mum, occasionally having a good ol hot dog or chips.
To me, they’re the reason I play rugby league and I’m just fortunate enough to be in a position where I’m doing something I love while I am able to provide for them.
Just to come home every day to my kids whether it’s been a long day , a good day or a tough day, the kids always bring a smile to my face.
That comforting love can change any mood I’ve been in.
Brad Takairangi
The day I met my daughter was far from what I expected.
I was actually on a pre-season camp with the Roosters on the Central Coast when my partner Sara’s waters broke.
I remember our coach Brian Smith telling me during a meeting.
I had to pack my bags and get going because our first born was on the way.
I jumped on the first flight I could and go to Liverpool Hospital as quickly as I could.
I had butterflies the whole way.
There was a huge traffic jam.
I was a couple of kilometres from the hospital when I heard I missed the birth of my first child and daughter,
It didn’t change the love I never thought I could have for her.
I got there and tears just came out straight away.
I couldn’t control it.
Seeing my princess for the first time is still without a doubt the best day of my life.
Kahlia is the best big sister a dad could ask for.
She’s so loving, caring and always willing to help with her two younger brothers.
She’s very smart at school and kills all her grades … the academics are definitely not from her dad haha.
She’s also class captain!!
My kids are my inspiration.
Every game I play, I have the kids initials on my wristband.
My hope and prayer for Kahlia is that she grows up to always love and respect her parents.
That whatever her dreams are in life, she chases them.
And no matter what, I’ll be there to back her all the way.
Father’s Day is a good day to reflect.
To reflect on how grateful I am to have healthy, happy children and reflect on how much my kids have grown over the years.
It’s why I love Father’s Day.
Every man needs their princess and I’m blessed to have a beautiful girl in Kahlia-Mai.
She is mine.
