Deserving Dads
Filed Under Contests, Dedicated Emails | May 20, 2010
![main_image_takuContestphoto[1]](http://www.yoyomama.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/main_image_takuContestphoto1.jpg "main_image_takuContestphoto[1]")
We have a winner! Melody, entry #8. After all the kerfuffle around the voting we conferred with Taku and decided the only fair thing to do at this point was do a random # draw from the top ten, which we did this morning.
That being said we want to thank you all for taking the time and energy to craft your amazing entries and send your family and friends over to vote for you. We’re sorry things didn’t go quite as planned, this was a first for us too, so we know what to do better next time and we thank you for all the feedback and ideas along the way. We are only as strong as our community and you are an awesome community and that fact that everyone cared so much and nominated so many fabulous dads was wonderful!
Happy Father’s Day to All!
Let the voting begin. You’ve submitted your amazing entries for the most deserving dad to win a getaway to Taku Resort, we’ve picked our top ten (and it was so difficult to narrow them down!) and now it’s time for you to vote. Our top ten entries are below – in no particular order - so check them out and then cast your vote. Voting ends on June 17th and the most deserving dad will be announced in our email on June 18th. There is only one vote per person and you won’t see who’s in the lead until after you’ve cast your vote:
#1 Sheila
I have a blurry, badly composed photo of my husband holding the girls right after their birth – the look on his face is relief, love, exhaustion.
I was waiting out the last few days of my twin pregnancy on the couch – uncomfortable, bloated, grumpy. Matt had one class to teach before he was finished for six weeks. I call in the middle of class, “It’s time!”. I soon discover I need help fast. I call Matt back “Hurry, ambulance coming”. He makes it home in record time, jumps in the ambulance and holds my hand on our way to the hospital – keeping me calm, reassuring me. 30 minutes later he is cradling our perfect wee girls.
He wasn’t sure he was cut out for fatherhood – he’s a natural. He teaches the finer points of 70s funk music, the art of conga drumming and the beauty of insects.
There’s no other person in the world I’d want to be awake with at 3:32 am with a screaming baby.
#2 Christa
Can i nominate someone other than my husband? i would like to say what a wonderful father my FIL is!! he owns a business that does well for itself, but in making sure that it does so, my FIL sacrifices time with his wife and children and grandchildren to be at work non stop! he has taken in his daughter and her two small children at their greatest time of need and is providing them with shelter and insurmountable love. and i think he deserves a nice weekend away with his wife where they can be in the outdoors (which they LOVE LOVE LOVE!) thank you.
#3 Andrea
I can not go fishing today
said Daddy Sean with dismay
I have to go to work instead
My bag is packed my work is ahead
There are bills to be paid
that will go on for a decade
The lawn needs to be cut
and to be fixed is the gasket
The eldest child needs glasses
the middle need special classes
I can not go kayaking today
said Daddy Sean with dismay
There are dishes I have to clean
The bathroom is lacking some proper hygiene
The laundry is still unfolded
and the dishwasher to be loaded
I can not rest in a hot tub today
said Daddy Sean with dismay
There is to much to do
and this house feels like a zoo
What’s that? What that you say?
You say that I can go to Taku and play?
Yes, that will be a great day.
#4 Taz
My dad is truly my hero. This year he turns 75, and 35 years ago, when my mom died of Cancer, he took over raising my younger sister and I. I have memories of him helping us with homework, shopping with us, drying and combing our hair, helping us get ready for school, family vacations and all the while, he worked hard and raised 2 girls as a single dad. He instilled a strong sense of family value in both my sister and I and I never heard him complain about his life changing so dramatically. We never doubted for a minute that he would be there for us, and, to this day,we still don’t. 35 years later, he is looking after my sister as she battles Cancer. He has always been steadfast and true, and is a strong, loving and stable figure in our lives.
#5 Shelley
Dear Yoyomama,
We have a great daddy who needs a relaxing getaway.
For many years, our daddy worked very hard to save money for a house. This year he bought us one. But since we moved, all he does is hammer, paint and mow the lawn.
Before we bought the house, our daddy always took us on getaways: camping in Parksville; hiking on Grouse; fishing in Squamish. Since we bought the house, our daddy’s only getaway has been the backyard. Poor Papa, he hasn’t caught any fish there yet.
The closest our daddy now gets to a lake is the flood we get in the basement and backyard each time it rains. Hiking for him is now climbing the ladder to trim the hedge.
Please save our daddy from our new house. He needs a relaxing getaway. Taku Resort sounds perfect!
Marc (4) and Thompson (2 ½)
#6 Reba
It was midnight when all through the house…
Mommy was dual pumping & our little mouse (Mayah was born in the Year of the Rat)
Had a little poop so Daddy came in to help
Diaper off, wipe, wipe, suddenly A GREAT BIG YELP!
“Poo, poo, everywhere!” cried Paul in awe,
Mayah apparently was not finished yet
Stuck in the corner, I yelled “Please clean it up!”
Paul quickly ran past me & I didn’t realize…
that he was covered in SH%*!
Well, the poem says it all but Paul is amazing because:
- complete hands on daddy from Day 1
- works 14+hrs regularly but makes time to read stories & put Mayah to bed
- wakes up to get her in the morning
-does chores
Paul used to snowboard & hike but due to injuries & limited time we’ve not been able to do any outdoor activities together for almost 4 years. We’ve tackled our 1st international trip & we’re were planning a local getaway in August. Taku resort would be perfect as our 2nd vacation to appreciate our own backyard & each other.
#7 Megan
My husband, the father of our daughter is the kindest, most generous man I know. He is also very hardworking, and recently worked tirelessly for months to bring to fruition our new local community garden. On top of making dinner most nights and always being there for bath-time, he volunteered countless hours planning the designs, moving dirt, building a fence, creating raised beds from scratch, all in the name of helping create community. He is passionate about bringing people together and making our planet happier and healthier. This year we will eat veggies, that we have grown ourselves and as I enjoy the ripe tomatoes I will think of my husband whose unconditional love and support I cherish. He is an amazing father and person and deserves a special trip to honour him. Most years we use our holidays to visit family, either in Kelowna or Seattle or far-away in Ontario. This year it would lovely to have a vacation for just this family of 3!
#8 Melody
My husband, the father of our two girls needs a getaway. This year he took a parental leave from work for nine months to help out at home after the birth of our second child. He loves his job but recognized the need to put his girls’ first. I know many days he would love to be at work rather than at home changing diapers, cooking, and doing laundry; however, our girls are the happiest daddy’s girls you’ll ever see and our marriage is better then it’s ever been. It’s nearing the end of his leave and I know he’s feeling a bit cooped up, so please give the most deserving father a getaway to enjoy some of his favourite activities; hiking, canoeing, and beach combing. Our family tries to get in one getaway a year usually to Alberta to visit my family.
#9 Amber
My husband and Safia’s Daddy is an inspiration to all! 8 years ago he suffered a life altering injury that left him completely paralyzed. He fought hard and slowly recovered to be able to walk again but still silently suffers on a daily basis. He never complains and works hard to support me. He also worked hard to become physically active again and is in heaven when he is biking, running or kayaking. Skip ahead 7 years to the birth of our daughter. Our daughter Safia was born with medical issues and we spent her first 3 months at Children’s Hospital. The minute Safia was born the “Daddy button” was turned on. Our life has settled now and we are blessed with a healthy family. My husband deserves a weekend away in which he could enjoy the outdoors with a nice kayak and a few minutes in the hot tub!!
#10 Tanya
My husband is amazing, he’s a modern guy,
He rises with the baby, mows the lawn and bakes pie.
He’s still working hard when evening draws nigh!
At Taku he could retreat to the loft,
And take a well deserved nap on a bed so soft.
He’d happily watch his two sons swim,
But that “freezing” water is not for him!
He’d love to break a sweat on the tennis court,
Or relive his childhood by building a driftwood fort.
He’d pretend he “let” me win at games of backgammon,
And good-naturedly prepare gourmet barbecue salmon.
In life since kids it’s been hard to get a rest,
The lack of getaways puts our relationship to the test!
When we can’t stand it and need a break from our mess,
Camping in my parents’ backyard is the best…
But we’d far prefer to hop a ferry towards the west
To spend three lovely days at Taku, as their guests!
Please note: there has been some questions as to whether people are being a little overenthusiastic when voting for themselves and working their way around the 1 vote per person rule. Have no fear, when the contest ends we will be reviewing all the entries and recalculating the results if there have been any inconsistencies.
Thanks for taking the time to cast your vote. Were you sent here by a friend to cast our vote but you’re not a yoyomama.ca subscriber yet? Check us out and feel free to sign up here.
Original Contest:
Win one for the dads! This amazing contest from Taku Resort is the perfect opportunity to honour a dad in your life and let them know how much you appreciate everything they do.
You could win the ultimate Father’s Day gift – the chance to take Dad away for a three night stay in a Beachfront Cabin at Quadra Island’s Taku Resort plus a four hour canoe rental* (valued at $900). Their beachfront cabins can sleep up to two adults plus kids and two pets. They’ve got well-equipped kitchens, sleeping lofts for the kids and beach-front sundecks complete with barbeques. And right outside your door you’ll find Drew Harbour where you can beachcomb, kayak and swim.
Nominate the dad of your choice by writing no more than 150 words (just a note: when we say 150 we mean it, so be sure to be concise) in the comment section for this contest on why he needs a getaway, what local activities he’d most enjoy and why. You’ll get bonus points for including how many family getaways you manage to sneak in each year. You have from now through to midnight on Thursday, June 3rd to submit your entry.
So how will the most deserving dad be chosen? A panel of daddy and mummy experts will select the top ten (10) entries and on Monday, June 7th it’ll be turned back over to you, our discerning readers, to cast your votes for the winner. The voting will end at midnight on June 17th and on Friday, June 18th the winner will be announced in our daily email, just in time for Father’s Day.
For the dads out there it truly is just an honour to be nominated, but an even greater honour to win. So get writing and posting your nominations!
Taku Resort: www.takuresort.com
* Value $900. Valid: September 2010 to May 2011, not during statutory holidays. Canoe rental is weather permitting. Cannot be exchanged for cash value. Contest only includes accommodation, not travel.
92 Responses to “Deserving Dads”
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My husband is the most amazing father in the world. Even My dad has said so. He loves my girls so strongly and unconditionally, and makes time each day to spend with both of them. Our girls are 9 months and 24 months, neither of whom yet sleep through the night, so my husband gets up with the older when she wakes up so I can nurse the younger. We have not managed any away trips since having the girls between being pregnant and having tiny babies and my husband working more than fulltime between his two jobs…so he really deserves this getaway!
My fiance is a very attentive, loving, caring father and he puts all of his heart into his 9 month old son and onto our relationship. Our son beams with delight when his daddy comes home from work! My fiancé works very hard at an hourly wage; therefore he does not get any paid holidays and as a result, he doesn’t take any holidays! He has always worked very hard since immigrating to Canada from Japan so we could live here, and continues to feel ashamed that he is not able to be the “breadwinner” of the family as is so prevalent in Japanese culture. He truly deserves to get away and enjoy some relaxing time with his family and explore more of the Canada he has yet to see because of his strict work schedule. What a fantastic way to provide a deserving father his first Father’s Day!
I’ve been with Wes for 6 years on June. Our son is 3 years old and our daughter is 19months. Before we had the kids, Wes loved to play guitar. A lot of our weekends were spent jamming at our friends’ houses. We also would wander out to Hope or Chilliwack for day trips to go fishing or exploring. Wes loves fishing. It reminds him of his dad who passed away in 2001 and his childhood. Wes throws himself into the job of “daddy”. He loves being a father! To limit our kids’ time at daycare, I work part-time evenings at a dental centre in a mall. He comes home from work and instead of laying on the couch after a hard day’s work, he changes the kids, feeds them, cleans up the kitchen and plays with the kids before putting them to bed. He deserves a special treat and this trip would be right up his alley!
My husband, the father of our 3 children is an amazing dad and full of energy. He is always so positive and has the best sense of humour. He carefully redirects the children when he senses any conflict and is very good at being a good role model for them. We have been married for 8 years and in this time our family has gone through many experiences and changes together. He has always been there to guide us and get us through the difficult times as well as make the good times better. He has a magnetic personality and when you meet him you just want to get to know him better…for some of his humour and good nature to pass on to you. He lost his father suddenly and unexpectedly on Sept 11th, 2004…7 weeks prior to our son being born. Father’s day is always a bit difficult because of this. My husband adores the outdoors and a weekend get away would be well deserved to replenish him and get him back to nature. He loves fishing, canoeing, hiking, and pretty much anything that involves breathing fresh air and mother nature.
When we found out we were having twins after only 7 months of marrige my husband got a second job and worked 7 days a week for the first year. He now travels for work and woks long hours. He sacrifices everything for us and because we have twins we can’t afford to travel much. My hubby loves outdoorsy stuff and running. He deserves the best daddy of the year award by far! Anyone who would sacrifice all their time to provide for their family is so selfless and I can’t afford to give him what he really deserves this fathers day. Please consider this special dad.
My husband and I have been married 11 years next week. We have one daughter Hayden, who is 3. My husband Lonny is the best Dad in the world. When I returned to work after maternity leave, Lonny switched to night shift so he can parent during the day and spend time with Hayden. As a result he is severely sleep deprived but he still makes the effort to meet up with his Dad group on a weekly basis and swim and hike with Hayden and the other dads and kids. I get home from work at 4:30 and Lonny leaves for work shortly thereafter leaving us not much time to spend together as a family. We have managed a few trips since Hayden was born but a family vacation would be fabulous.
Why our Deserving Dad needs a Taku Resort Getaway:
Our dad works very hard & Mommy always has a long list of to do’s for him. He started up a new business which has kept him super busy and so far our family vacation has consisted of us tagging along for a weekend in Seattle where he spoke at a conference and him going on a trip for business without us :-(
He loves playing tennis and hiking and then afterwards relaxing in hot tubs, but he never really gets a chance to do these things since he is always taking us to our activities like soccer and swimming.
We would love to have him all to ourselves for a weekend and we will try to be really good and even let him sleep in past 07:30!
We love you daddy,
Jamie (5 years old) and Riley (3.5 years old)
XOXOXO
We have 2 daughters, ages 3 and 1, and my husband stays at home full time with them and our 2 dogs. He absolutely loves it, and his energy, patience, and endless time spent playing with them never ceases to amaze me. We decided to make some sacrifices to have a parent at home, and I think he’s a pretty special guy to do it. I think a weekend away to let him know how much I appreciate all he does would be pretty awesome! Thanks so much for the opportunity – you guys rock!
We have three children age 5,4 &2. Because of my husband’s job we live far from family support and his work takes him out of country for 12 days in a row 2X/mos.He puts our family needs first when he comes home, conscious of giving me a break and the kids his undivided attention at the expense of seeing his own friends and doing his own hobbies (camping, hiking, fishing). He has instilled in our children already a love for the outdoors and to enjoy the simple things in life. Because of my medical challenges as well as a parent’s illness & death since our last was born our “getaways” have been to Ontario to be with family. He has been patient, selfless and understanding. He is my bestfriend, and my children’s “hero”. He asks for nothing and he simply appreciates our time together as a family.
My husband is a great dad ~ he travels extensively for work and when he comes home, he needs to wind down and that’s what our two boys are for. He misses the boys when he’s away and coming home is always an exciting time for him and the boys. It’s usually filled with going to the park or even the morning or afternoon walks to Starbucks! We usually sneak away for a Christmas holiday and recently started summer vacations away too. A trip like this is actually outside of his box!
A few months before the birth of our second child, my husband quietly started building a “man room” below our deck. “Are you planning your escape from us?” I asked suspiciously as he sanded the drywall. He assured me that, although he couldn’t wait for our family to be even bigger, he predicted that at times he would need a retreat from us. “My ‘manctuary’ will be a place of refuge,” he enthused, “a place to renew my spirit and make me a happier, better dad!” Surely that is what trips to the Gulf Islands are for. Before we had kids, my husband and I regularly spent time biking, kayaking and relaxing in the Gulf Islands and I’ve been looking forward to showing him how this is still very do-able with two little kids. This father’s day, let’s get this guy out from under the deck!
I love to know that when I go away on business, things move along seamlessly. It has happened on more than one occasion where on the morning of my departure my little one has woken up really sick. I know that he can cope, that he will be a great dad, and although I will be missed, they will be great. For that, I am very thankful, and for that I nominate my husband Martin!
I have a blurry, badly composed photo of my husband holding the girls right after their birth – the look on his face is relief, love, exhaustion.
I was waiting out the last few days of my twin pregnancy on the couch – uncomfortable, bloated, grumpy. Matt had one class to teach before he was finished for six weeks. I call in the middle of class, “It’s time!”. I soon discover I need help fast. I call Matt back “Hurry, ambulance coming”. He makes it home in record time, jumps in the ambulance and holds my hand on our way to the hospital – keeping me calm, reassuring me. 30 minutes later he is cradling our perfect wee girls.
He wasn’t sure he was cut out for fatherhood – he’s a natural. He teaches the finer points of 70s funk music, the art of conga drumming and the beauty of insects.
There’s no other person in the world I’d want to be awake with at 3:32 am with a screaming baby.
My husband is the most amazing man, father, husband and friend that anyone could have asked for. He always puts us first but what I want everyone to know is how much he values me as a moterh. He coaches a lot after work with great success but always make it home for dinner with the kids and helping me have my own time away from the kids. I love him for that!! Please award this to my husband because he needs it. He is amazing.
Can i nominate someone other than my husband? i would like to say what a wonderful father my FIL is!! he owns a business that does well for itself, but in making sure that it does so, my FIL sacrifices time with his wife and children and grandchildren to be at work non stop! he has taken in his daughter and her two small children at their greatest time of need and is providing them with shelter and insurmountable love. and i think he deserves a nice weekend away with his wife where they can be in the outdoors (which they LOVE LOVE LOVE!) thank you.
Flashback 4 years. We had just booked our wedding and with gay abandon decided to pull the goalie. “Just this one time…what could happen?” he said. 5 weeks pregnant and my husband’s life changed forever. Not only was there disappointment of not being able to “practice getting pregnant” …although he did take pride in his virility…but the insect inside of me decided to make life a living hell. Nausea, vomiting (repeatedly and in very public situations), and massive weight gain (for a brief moment in time the largest living mammal on earth was me). My patient and loving husband picked up the slack. Worked, planned a wedding, kept house, and made sure his wife and child stayed alive and relatively sane. Flash forward 9 months and a healthy babe was born. Flash forward 14 months and another “what could happen if we pulled the goalie?” The toxic sperm took hold again. This time my husband had to work, deal with insurance companies (did I mention our house exploded?), look after a toddler, and once again make sure his not-so-pleasant wife stayed sane. This man not only deserves a vacation but a medal of honour. If I could, I would let him rip it up on a bike, re-live his glory days on the basketball court, or give him peace and quiet out in a kayak. Whatever his heart desires. He’s my super hero and deserves everything in the world.
From the day I told my husband we were pregnant he has been a father; supportive, patient and understanding. Waking at 5am to go to work, come home and work some more preparing for our future. Everyday I would come home to a fresh home made meal. My husband is still like this as well as an amazing ‘attachment parent’. During my labour he was there by my side as well as our daughters. Everyone goes to him when they need help with anything and everything, to the point where I tell him he can say “no”. This father and husband needs a break, badly, he is so selfless. He has not had time to canoe or kayak, play bocce, or just sit back and relax in a long time and this is excactly what he would do if he won the trip to Taku. He would breath.
K and A are 5 and 2. They are the best of what daddy’s little girls are supposed to be. Dad’s the best, strongest, tallest, handsomest man in the world – the king in every one of their dress-up castles.
He travels often for work and everytime he does the days are marked off and counted with heartshaped stamps on a Disney calendar.
Almost two full rows every month.
We try to get away as often as we can, but three or four times a year has been our lot so far.
In winter he takes K skiing on the green slopes (she’s the best skier ever, you know) and A will let daddy pull her up from her snowangels (angels so perfect they must have fallen from heaven).
Summertime he shows them bright purple seastars on the rocks.
My husband is the best dad our girls could have.
Ok, my husband is terrific but doesn’t feel he’s the best father he can be…part of which has to do with him not having had a day off in about 2 months. Now he’s about to start his own company and a vacation/time off is just what the doctor ordered. He’s father to a 2yr old and a 3 mo old, and would enjoy the canoeing and hot tub (does that count? grin) the most, although the kayaking is another love. And the outdoors…we took our first family vacation last summer and it was amazing. Camping in bc…
My Husband has given up his career to allow me to follow my dream. He has been working at a dead end job without vacation (more than 2 days off together) for over 5 yrs. for a period of three months straight he worked 12 hours straight 6 days a week doing my job and his after the birth of our third child, since I did not have maternity benefits. He works almost all evenings and every weekend. We have one day a month when we have “family day”. During the day he stays at home and looks after our three children, and then he goes to work. He has learned to cook in order to feed our children healthy food, he puts our children and me ahead of his needs. He has long been neglecting his personal needs in order to ensure that we don’t go without. He is honest, loving, understanding and gives without question. He is now in a lot of pain because he hurt his back at work and he refuses to take time off because we cant afford him not working. He has given so much that I wonder if there is anything left, he is foundation of this family and my daughter and two sons will grow up having the best example of full parental devotion a father can give.
My husband is the best dad our girls can have, Jay and I met 9 years ago when my daughter was 3 and from that moment on he took the dad role to heart,now we also have a 3 year old and my husband is the only one working and I have been blessed to have someone like him who understands my need to stay home with my girls so he’s been working lots and still being able to be and amazing dad. He loves music and outdoor activities. We haven’t had many family vacations I know he truly deserves and will love to spend time with his family at Taku Resort.
My husband is the most deserving dad. After an emotional 10 years of disappointment and frustration, we finally have our miracle son. Gerry has always been positive and encouraging throughout the years. His faith never altered. Gerry stays home with him, deals with the poopy diapers, feeding, entertainment, behaviour correction and the middle of the night teething and growing pains all while working on his part time business..during nap time and evenings. He is learning as he goes and finds it challenging and rewarding and loving every minute. Because he works from home, going out on his own is rare. His interest is his family although we don’t vacation much. He is more concerned whether I continue with my spa days and outings with friends. To offer him this amazing weekend would be the best gift ever. He loves re-connecting with nature. It instantly rejuvenates him and sparks his creative juices.
150 words are not enough words to do our dad justice! He ROCKS! He works long hours but the minute he comes in the door, he is all ours. He makes sure our bikes (and mom’s too) are in tip-top shape so we can get around, he patiently sits through our piano practices, he builds lego with us, coaches baseball, plans family camps at Camp Grafton for 40 friends, does great beach barbecues, spends HOURS looking in tidal pools with us, knows all of our friends, is VERY nice to mom, makes beautiful family videos, takes a million photos so we never forget anything, leads us on exciting adventures, plans treasure hunts (even burying treasure on the beach … don’t tell him we know that it was him and not Blackbeard the Pirate like he claims it was), oh no … we are running out of words. 150 is only enough to get started!
My dad (and my mom) have been gracious enough to take me and my 3 year old son in with them as I go through a really ugly divorce. Even though my dad has retired, he has ended up becoming a dad yet again to Liam, in the absence of his own disfunctional father. He drops him off at daycare and picks him up at the end of the day for me so that I can tend to work responsibilities. And he keeps him when he is sick, puking, diarhhea or a simple cold. He could be enjoying his retirement, yet my dad & my mom are both helping to raise their grandson. And giving up their own vacations to help keep us both safe and secure. That’s why my dad deserves this prize of a trip to Taku resort.
I have been with Argelio for 4 years and he has been a papi for 2 years. He just finished his Masters and now is supporting me as I finish my education. He loves sports, especially rock climbing and soccer. I know he would really enjoy the kayaking because he has never tried it before.
I have endless reasons and stories to tell for him to be chosen. But I guess the one thing that always comes to my mind when I think about him, is that he respects me and is so kind to everyone. These may seem like simple things, but they are actually qualities that cannot be found easily.
He is passionate about the environment and he helps me educate our daughter on these issues.
His heart is genuine, his words are kind, and when I think of him, I smile. He is an amazing man, father, husband, person and to get away with him for 3 days would make some wonderful memories for our family.
My Daddy is the best! After raising 2 girls (his ex’s daughters) now in their early 20s, he and Mommy met, fell in love and had me. Mommy had such a hard time delivering me that she wasn’t able to care for me initially. Daddy came to the rescue. He syringe fed me for 6 weeks, bathed me and took care of Mommy while she recovered (from major blood loss and a broken tail bone). He works really hard and even takes on extra work to help make extra money. I am now 2.5 years old and Daddy still helps me with bath time every night. He has many of his own hobbies but has not been able to do many of them since I was born. It would be so nice for my Daddy to “get away” and relax and enjoy himself. I’m sure he would especially love beach combing , canoeing and nice strolls with me! Daddy is always helping others by lending a hand and is a kind, gentle, respectful soul. He really deserves something great like a trip to Taku Resort for Father’s Day! Love, Faith xxoo
My husband is an amazing, hands-on, equal parenting father to our 2 little ones. Right from the start, he was always involved and participating. With our first who had difficulty latching, he finger fed her for an entire month while encouraging me to keep trying to breastfeed. He took equal turns with her at night and during the day during the very long first 5 months of colic. With our 2nd, he ran between the hospital where I had to stay and home to look after our first. He was patient thru my bout of post-partum depression and supported me thru doubt, indecision and worry. He is with them in the morning before work and cooks supper and plays before bed. Weekends are extreme daddy time, enjoyed by all. Daddy hasnt had a chance to get away, relax or spend much time doing any enjoyable Daddy things so this would be a wonderful treat and he so deserves it!
Two years ago, my husband made a life-changing decision to follow his passion for photography. He is now a full-time photographer and his talent is beyond any words I could put to paper. I am so proud of him in so many ways. He is father to our 2 amazing boys (5 and 18 months) and he utterly adores them. However, a small business is very demanding and he has had very little time to himself – no time to just BE. He works tirelessly, even on his “days off”. We have had a few weekend getaways in the past 2 years but nowhere without internet access! I would love for him to get away to this place by himself and relax. This would be such a great gift to him and I know he would be renewed.
My husband Brad does all the morning routine as I work early, including breakfasts, dressing, snacks for preschool, drop-offs, before heading to work himself. When he’s not tending to the kids or his business, he is tending to things around the house from daily routines (garbages, groceries, lawn, dog) to the odd jobs (replacing bathroom taps so the eldest can wash hands by himself, or dealing with pesky woodpecker holes in our house). Unlike most families I know, it is rare that I am the one getting up with the kids in the night, either taking the eldest (3½ yrs) for a pee, or soothing the youngest (20 mos) when she wake unexpectedly. He so deserves the chance to just relax in the “blissful silence”, and maybe a enjoy game of tennis. We try to get at least 1 family vacation a year – last summer was 2-nights at Harrison Lake.
My husband Andrew is a wonderful father to our two little girls. He works so hard so that I can stay home with them full-time. When he walks in the door, he drops everything to give them his full attention, which I have always admired. We Moms know it’s hard to do that! It’s been a busy and difficult year for us, starting a new job, buying a house, moving to a new community, and unfortunately, having 2 close friends pass away. It would be an amazing treat to go away as a family, as we have not been away since the little one was born.
He cooks dinner most nights, cleans up messes, comforts us when we are scared, hurt or confused. He drives us to daycare, shops for groceries, teaches us to use a fork and knife, changes diapers, washes laundry, takes us to the park, and all the while working the night shift at his “day job”. He is the modern father and we are lucky to call our very exhausted role model, Dad. A few days rest is our way of saying thank you, Dad!
Before we had my son, my husbands passions included back country and down hill skiing, running marathons, back pack camping, any type of hike over seven hours. He lived for his weekends so, he could get up a mountain. His weekends are now saved for family time which, has consisted of de-cluttering our 670 square foot apartment and looking for a new place for us to relocate. He is a great father and enjoys every minute with our son but, can’t wait until the day he can share his passions with him. He works shift work and is always tired. I think this trip away would give my husband just the rest he needs to recharge. It would also give our family the opportunity to have some fun together. Since my son has been born we have all been on a few local overnight trips.
My hubby Tony is my hero. I’ve been fighting postpartum depression and severe anxiety on and off for the past five years (from the birth of our first son). Another son later, some anxiety and depression still linger, and he’s still as supportive as ever – perhaps even more so. Despite the stresses and pressures of his own job, he still finds the energy to be a very involved daddy as soon as he steps in the door. Being the partner of someone going through PPD is one of the toughest jobs ever, but my husband makes it look easy. I love him more than anything, and he’s the reason I’m doing okay today.
My dad is truly my hero. This year he turns 75, and 35 years ago, when my mom died of Cancer, he took over raising my younger sister and I. I have memories of him helping us with homework, shopping with us, drying and combing our hair, helping us get ready for school, family vacations and all the while, he worked hard and raised 2 girls as a single dad. He instilled a strong sense of family value in both my sister and I and I never heard him complain about his life changing so dramatically. We never doubted for a minute that he would be there for us, and, to this day,we still don’t. 35 years later, he is looking after my sister as she battles Cancer. He has always been steadfast and true, and is a strong, loving and stable figure in our lives.
I knew my husband would be a great father when I married him for he already had a teen-aged daughter who turned to him when things got rough (as they always seem to do when you’re a teenager).
We used to spend our time dining out, going to movies and walking through the neighbourhood, but now we spend our time with our toddler and kindergartner and he has the same (OK, more!) enthusiasm for changing diapers and playing Candy Land as he did for making romantic dinners and, well, you know, that other thing you used to do when you were just a couple.
He loves them. And I love him more than it’s possible to do so.
We do get away, but to places our kids love – my parents’ cabin, the local parks, Mexico for his daughter’s wedding…. (OK, we love them too!) It would be great to have a getaway that’s made just for him; one where he could still bike with his family and maybe even try bocce. But still end the day relaxing in a hot tub with you know who.
Dads – we love you and although we may not (have time to) say it, we appreciate everything you do. Even if it’s not the way we’d do it. :-)
My husband works at a job which he dreads going to everyday, so I can stay home with our two kids. I am so lucky. My boys love their dad so much and from the minute they wake up in the morning, ask when Dad is coming home. Many evenings he is home after they fall asleep. Everyday they ask ‘is today the weekend?’ knowing they will get to spend as much time as possible with him. My Husband deserves this break and some time away form the city with his family. Taku Resort would be a wonderful getaway.
Paul is the best dad and husband. When the girls are going insane, fussing, fighting or just having an all out screaming tantrum Paul never loses his cool. He is calm understanding and begins his gentle negotiation for peace. He treats me well too, no matter how angry I get about not having enough time to spend with the children, how many hours I work, how insane I get over the mess that is my house or how extreme my demands are on his downtime (paint the house, clean the yard etc) he weathers it and not only that but seems to understand and support everyone around him. If he can do it for you he will. He’s a rock that the girls will be able to lean on now and for the years to come. You gotta love a man like that – I do.
I nominate my own father. His love as a dad and grandpa is shown through sacrifice, hard work, and hugs. While raising me, he worked two jobs but still had time for us. At 62, he’s stopped one job and is finding more time to relax.
Unfortunately, his 3-4 vacations/year involve visits to Saskatchewan (where my brother lives), and to Chicago, where my family lives. My Dad would rather visit his kids and grandkids than spend time anywhere else. And he doesn’t just visit – he helps out, by cooking, cleaning, and playing with my daughter.
When we moved 2 years ago, we didn’t hire movers; instead, he helped us move. It was grueling, but he’ll help us again this summer, as we face a daunting long distance move. A stay at Taku Resort would be a unique thank you, and since my Dad loves the islands and their offerings, I know he’d enjoy it!
My husband is such a dedicated father to his two boys, just about to turn 1 and 3. He gives us the car everyday and hops on the bus to work long days but tries to make it home everyday to spend a bit of time with the boys before they go to bed. He also spends his weekends renovating the house, all of this without complaining. Furthermore, he is dealing with taking care of his dad (and mom) as much as he can since his dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 2 yeas ago. He totally deserves something for him as he is the first one to give up whatever he has going on for himself to make his boys or his wife happy (and sane!). To be able to present something like this to him would make me (and him) so happy. I wonder if he even knows how badly he needs a getaway. He would love to be somewhere where he can spend time outside, hiking or kayaking or riding his bike while spending quality time with his family!
Our family is not much different from many others here – my husband works a 9-5 while I work an evening/weekend job, and family time is just…whenever.
But what makes my husband deserving of a getaway is his self-lessness. On top of his full-time job and caring for our son while I am at work, Scott has gone back to school. We are also expecting our second child in the fall, a pregnancy which has been very difficult for me, and Scott has never hesitated to do early morning wake-ups with our son, even after being up late studying, and always has breakfast made for us before he leaves for work.
My husband loves outdoor sports, and kayaking is a favourite of his. I would love for him to be able to enjoy a day out on the water as watersport rentals just aren’t in our budget! Family getaways aren’t something we’ve managed to organize in the past year, and time away would be a much appreciated gift for our family of three to reconnect and relax before we become a family of four, and a way for me to say thank-you to my husband.
It was midnight when all through the house…
Mommy was dual pumping & our little mouse (Mayah was born in the Year of the Rat)
Had a little poop so Daddy came in to help
Diaper off, wipe, wipe, suddenly A GREAT BIG YELP!
“Poo, poo, everywhere!” cried Paul in awe,
Mayah apparently was not finished yet
Stuck in the corner, I yelled “Please clean it up!”
Paul quickly ran past me & I didn’t realize…
that he was covered in SH%*!
Well, the poem says it all but Paul is amazing because:
- complete hands on daddy from Day 1
- works 14+hrs regularly but makes time to read stories & put Mayah to bed
- wakes up to get her in the morning
-does chores
Paul used to snowboard & hike but due to injuries & limited time we’ve not been able to do any outdoor activities together for almost 4 years. We’ve tackled our 1st international trip & we’re were planning a local getaway in August. Taku resort would be perfect as our 2nd vacation to appreciate our own backyard & each other.
Dear Yoyomama,
We have a great daddy who needs a relaxing getaway.
For many years, our daddy worked very hard to save money for a house. This year he bought us one. But since we moved, all he does is hammer, paint and mow the lawn.
Before we bought the house, our daddy always took us on getaways: camping in Parksville; hiking on Grouse; fishing in Squamish. Since we bought the house, our daddy’s only getaway has been the backyard. Poor Papa, he hasn’t caught any fish there yet.
The closest our daddy now gets to a lake is the flood we get in the basement and backyard each time it rains. Hiking for him is now climbing the ladder to trim the hedge.
Please save our daddy from our new house. He needs a relaxing getaway. Taku Resort sounds perfect!
Marc (4) and Thompson (2 ½)
Since the moment we decided to have children, my husband painted the perfect picture in his mind: a cabin and our little familiy paddling away in a canoe in beautiful British Columbia. It has been his dream ever since, just as some dads can’t wait to teach their kid to play a sport or ride a bike. Down the road my husband has so much enjoyed (loved, I must say) all the other every-day life treasures of parenthood: reading a book to our son, preparing his many favourite meals, putting together a toy and so on. He has been such an amazing father that I think it is time to make his parenthood dream come true: a getaway beachfront cabin and a canoe trip with his son.
My amazing husband, and the father of our two daughters, 5 and 2, works extremely long hours at his job, and then comes home to help with dinner and bedtime routines with the girls before often working a few more hours from home. While he does take some time for himself to go golfing with colleagues, and we travel yearly to the island and interior to visit family, he rarely gets to have a vacation that is focused on him. Regularly putting in 18 hour days between work and family,(if not longer), I cannot think of a father and husband more deserving of some good r and r.
My dad works tirelessly running his small business often working long hours and weekends. Then he helps both my brother and I with our fix-it-upper houses all weekend — every weekend. He also helps the elderly widow next door keep up her lot by mowing the lawn, pruning trees and small repair jobs. My dad is generous with his time and money and helps anyone who asks without complaint. He makes you feel like no favour is too big. Last June his first grandchild was born and despite his busy schedule he makes a huge effort to spend time with her even if it is just for five minutes.
My dad only takes vacations that are attached to business trips and generally my parents can’t vacation together because of their company. I would love my mom and dad to be able to take a vacation with their granddaughter. He loves just enjoying people and the quite of nature. He sailed in his youth and talks about how he would love to boat up the coast again someday. Perhaps he could even sail up to Quadra!
My husband is a gentle giant. Since our son was born 9 months ago, he has been working up to 60 hrs a week. His job is very labour intensive and sometimes dangerous. He’s had surgery on both knees and I know they bother him, yet when he gets home, knowing how exhausted I am after being with baby all day and night, he puts our son up on his shoulders and, laughing a playing, marches to the kitchen to cook dinner, all the while hanging out with his 13 year old son, doing homework, and then helping with all of the bedtime rituals as well. I am amazed and humbled by him daily, the way he tirelessly, quietly, keeps on truckin’. He is our rock.
He loves hot-tubing, canoeing and hiking, and his #1 summer activity is bocce ball! We usually go away in the summer, but these days we just can’t afford it. He so deserves to get away – this trip would be heaven-sent!
My husband didn’t grow up with a dad but that isn’t stopping him from being a great dad to our 11 month old daughter. He diligently reads to her every night and despite not being a morning person, he always has smiles for our daughter.
My husband is working hard on getting a promotion at work. He takes OT shifts every time that he is offered them and carries his work pager every evening and weekend just to bring in a little extra money.
He works tirelessly fixing up our house. When I was pregnant we found out that our drainage was shot in the back and that our retaining walls and deck were failing. So armed with a small budget and not much experience as a handyman, my husband has built a new deck, installed new drainage, and re-did our landscaping. He worked so many evening and weekends in the pouring rain. Now a year and half later we hoping to have “the project” completed by the end of summer.
We haven’t been on a family vacation yet and a vacation on the ocean would be perfect for us. He talks non-stop about how much he loves the coast and how he wanted to be a marine biologist when he was kid. This vacation would give him the opportunity to be a kid again and show our daughter the magic of the beach. It would be so great for him to have some father daughter time just to explore, play and giggle.
My husband is the most selfless man I know. In the 12 years we have been together he has always deferred decisions to me, saying that he “I just want to do what will make you happy”. He renovated an old character house for me despite the fact that he was not handy (nor had any interest in being so) because that is what I wanted…and then he agreed for my parents to move into the basement suite! He works long hours at his day job and then comes home and works more hours at home doing freelance writing to make extra money so that we can get away for small vacations a couple of times a year to places like Tofino, the Gulf Islands, and Whistler. Throughout my pregnancy he was supportive and attentive, making me feel sexy and attractive when I felt the opposite, rubbed my feet when they were sore, and gave me hugs and reassurance when I needed it most. Since the birth of our baby girl 8 months ago he has been there eager and without complaint to change dirty diapers, wipe up vomit, is the bath time and entertainer master, has done many a bleary eyed march down the hallway to rock the baby back to sleep, cooks most of our dinners, and is always encouraging me to go out sans baby with girlfriends etc. Meanwhile, he rarely does anything for himself. And yet, even at the end of a long day and putting the baby to bed (sometimes after she has been crying hysterically for an hour) he still surprises me by running into our bedroom or stopping me in the grocery store and proclaiming how much he loves our baby, how beautiful she and I are, and how he is the luckiest man in the world to have us in his life. No, my love, we are the lucky ones.
So, on this first of many of my husband’s father’s days to come, I would like to honor him by spending this special occasion doing something he would love to do: exploring the island by canoe or kayak, hiking with our dog, swimming in the ocean, relaxing in the hot tub, watching the sunset from the cabin deck, sleeping in…and of course, spending quality time with his team.
My husband is a superstar dad. Not only does he love to spend time with our 15-month old daughter – making music, reading and doing puzzles – but he also takes care of all the meal planning, shopping and cooking. He is extremely creative in the kitchen and routinely serves gourmet meals inspired by the professionals on Top Chef. I appreciate this contribution because cooking can be such a tedious chore (and I’m not very good at it). Chris works hard at his day job in the video game industry. Since Inez was born, he has not had a break. Before baby, we would go to Tofino to celebrate his birthday, spend a weekend golfing on the Sunshine Coast and ski Whistler. A trip to Taku Resort would be a real treat. I can already see him exploring the tidal pools by kayak, enjoying a hike and playing a game of Bocce!
My husband, the father of our daughter is the kindest, most generous man I know. He is also very hardworking, and recently worked tirelessly for months to bring to fruition our new local community garden. On top of making dinner most nights and always being there for bath-time, he volunteered countless hours planning the designs, moving dirt, building a fence, creating raised beds from scratch, all in the name of helping create community. He is passionate about bringing people together and making our planet happier and healthier. This year we will eat veggies, that we have grown ourselves and as I enjoy the ripe tomatoes I will think of my husband whose unconditional love and support I cherish. He is an amazing father and person and deserves a special trip to honour him. Most years we use our holidays to visit family, either in Kelowna or Seattle or far-away in Ontario. This year it would lovely to have a vacation for just this family of 3!
My husband is an amazing Dad to our 2.5 yr old son. He works hard all week, takes the bus to/from work (so we can have the car,) plays with our son and does the bedtime routine. He takes him to swimming lessons on the weekend, builds him things, reads him stories, plays cars with him and is the biggest tickle monster!
Living on one income means that our family ‘get-aways’ consist of camping on weekends or visiting the grand-parents. I would love to be able to give my husband a weekend get-away but there is no extra $$ to do that.
For a long time, he has wanted a canoe so the whole family (including our dog) can get out and enjoy more time together. He would really love to be able to canoe, kayak, beachcomb and bbq at a beachfront cabin with the family. A dream-come-true for me too!
Can’t ask for more… watching my husband parent our daughter and son makes my heart swell with love. I married a wonderful man who has surpassed all expectations as a father. He works hard all day and has something left for the kids at night. He is on dinner duty most days, almost all bath nights and single parents when I have evening & weekend meetings.
We cherish family and our vacation every year is going to Calgary to visit grandparents. Both our children (5 & 3 years old) enjoy the road trip.
A trip to Quadra Island would create unforgettable memories for this special dad. He grew up enjoying the outdoors and hasn’t had a chance to do that very much lately. The biking, kayaking and tidal pool exploration would be right up his alley. So would relaxing in the hot tub after a canoe adventure!
Pick this daddy to have an unexpected Father’s Day surprise!
My husband continues to surprise me every day with his patience, creativity and support as a parent and partner. He is my best friend, lover and father to our 2 year old girl. I look forward to growing as a family and couple together.
We’ve lived in Vancouver for four years and have yet to explore other parts of BC. A trip to Taku Resort would be an overdue and well deserved escape for my husband and our family. I would love to honour him with this trip.
My girls have the very best Daddy. Every day he leaves for work, hugging them so tight they squeal. At the end of the day he laments that a day away is just too long, often working too late to wish them goodnight. With two wee ones, we decided it would be better for our family for me to stay home. We can’t stay in our house any longer with only one income and in its half-renovated state there’s a lot of work to do before we can sell it. Each day he comes home from an already long day to work on the house, falling into bed in the wee hours. He misses out on time so precious with his family, and is working the equivalent of two full time jobs so we can start a new life with our kids! Yet he still finds a time every day to show us how much he loves us. Such a special man deserves a special holiday with his family.
My husband is amazing! We have a two year old son with another on the way. Two years ago my husband completely renovated the downstairs of our house so that his sister, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, could have a place to live with her two sons. Recently, his sister became hospitalized. During this time my husband has continued to provide a loving home for her 6 and 8 year old sons. He works full time, cooks most of the meals, takes the children to visit their mom and still have the time to play with the boys.
My husband loves the outdoors. Our family holidays usually consist of camping during the summer. With all that’s been going on, we won’t be able to get away much this summer. It would mean so much to have a weekend to do the things he loves – hiking, beachcombing, biking and relaxing.
My hubby Dave is an incredible father and really deserves a holiday vacation. He only gets to see his daughter part-time, but the amount of fun, activities and life lessons they pack into weekends is truly amazing. He drives over an hour and half, each way, and never complains, as it’s so important that he sees his daughter. For that alone, he deserves to be spoilt!
My husband of 10 years is in great need of a break. He never gets sick, in fact in the 18 years that I have known him, he’s been ill (like with a fever) maybe 6 times. He is just recovering this week from having no voice. It really shows how much he’s been sacrificing to put his family first. We have a 2.5 year old daughter who adores him and another baby to come any day now. While I’m sure he would love to biking in our rainforest or hiking in our public parks, there has been little time for that between work and caring for us. I would love for him to have a few days to enjoy nature again.
My husband, the father of our two girls needs a getaway. This year he took a parental leave from work for nine months to help out at home after the birth of our second child. He loves his job but recognized the need to put his girls’ first. I know many days he would love to be at work rather than at home changing diapers, cooking, and doing laundry; however, our girls are the happiest daddy’s girls you’ll ever see and our marriage is better then it’s ever been. It’s nearing the end of his leave and I know he’s feeling a bit cooped up, so please give the most deserving father a getaway to enjoy some of his favourite activities; hiking, canoeing, and beach combing. Our family tries to get in one getaway a year usually to Alberta to visit my family.
“Our Daddy is the Best!” my 2 children, 4yrs and 7yrs old, said when I told them about this contest!
They told me that “daddy works such long hours, comes home after dinner time and always reads to us every night, no matter what!” “He deserves to sit in a hottub, go fishing on the big ocean and go for a bike ride with us to the beach”
Our family getaways would be camping at least 3-4 times in the spring-fall season. We also go for a ‘Sunday Drive’ as a relaxing family getaway; a getaway from the ‘everyday’ activities that keeps us so busy!
“We really, really want our ‘Best Daddy’ to win this Great Contest, Please and Thankyou.” :)
When asked if he misses the glory days (endless sleep, spontaneity etc.) he says, “No – these are the glory days.“ When asked to do one of the hardest things we’ve done as parents (sleep training), he took the lead without hesitation. When his daughter clings to mom and pushes away his love, he never complains. He is lovingly committed to our parenthood adventure.
A family getaway would be a fabulous treat since our seasonal getaways consist of visiting either set of out-of-town grandparents (we’ve never been for a true family getaway).
Nature-loving hubbie would relish the opportunity to hike, explore tidal pools and canoe at Taku Resort. While they would be calming, these activities would also energize him as a father since he could introduce his daughter to these new discoveries.
These simple pleasures, like having a child, help put into perspective what’s important and how lucky we are.
My mom says that she couldn’t do it all without dad! She’s got her hands full with me and my 12 week old baby sister. Dad has taken paternity leave so that he can help mom and be home to eat meals with us. He wants my sister and I to learn to live life to the fullest and that includes spending quality time together.
In my two and a half years of life dad has found some time to take me camping and canoeing in Manning Park, hiking in Lynn Valley, Pacific Spirit Park and Lighthouse Park. We sometimes go for walks in Queen Elizabeth Park and the Van Dusen Gardens. Dad loves to be in the peaceful outdoors with me and mom! And with the many sleepless nights and busy days that come with my new baby sister, he definitely could use a peaceful holiday!
My husband and Safia’s Daddy is an inspiration to all! 8 years ago he suffered a life altering injury that left him completely paralyzed. He fought hard and slowly recovered to be able to walk again but still silently suffers on a daily basis. He never complains and works hard to support me. He also worked hard to become physically active again and is in heaven when he is biking, running or kayaking. Skip ahead 7 years to the birth of our daughter. Our daughter Safia was born with medical issues and we spent her first 3 months at Children’s Hospital. The minute Safia was born the “Daddy button” was turned on. Our life has settled now and we are blessed with a healthy family. My husband deserves a weekend away in which he could enjoy the outdoors with a nice kayak and a few minutes in the hot tub!!
I can not go fishing today
said Daddy Sean with dismay
I have to go to work instead
My bag is packed my work is ahead
There are bills to be paid
that will go on for a decade
The lawn needs to be cut
and to be fixed is the gasket
The eldest child needs glasses
the middle need special classes
I can not go kayaking today
said Daddy Sean with dismay
There are dishes I have to clean
The bathroom is lacking some proper hygiene
The laundry is still unfolded
and the dishwasher to be loaded
I can not rest in a hot tub today
said Daddy Sean with dismay
There is to much to do
and this house feels like a zoo
What’s that? What that you say?
You say that I can go to Taku and play?
Yes, that will be a great day.
Two young boys, continuing home renovations on our tiny old house, nurturing a new business, and having to contend with postpartum me. The last real holiday? Four years ago, pre-kids.
On their own they are challenging to the bravest, but my husband calmly juggles our chaotic life with unending patience.
He has made our house a cozy happy home, structurally and emotionally. He has frequently foregone paying himself to maintain his staff and business. After long, weary days he arrives home with a smile and open arms.
This man ‘o mine ensures I don’t forget how to play, keeps me grounded, keeps me smiling, all while being an amazing, inspiring Dad.
My husband deserves the riches of the world, but he would be ecstatic just for a family getaway. He would be in absolute heaven to explore tidal pools and get out in a canoe with his boys.
My husband is amazing, he’s a modern guy,
He rises with the baby, mows the lawn and bakes pie.
He’s still working hard when evening draws nigh!
At Taku he could retreat to the loft,
And take a well deserved nap on a bed so soft.
He’d happily watch his two sons swim,
But that “freezing” water is not for him!
He’d love to break a sweat on the tennis court,
Or relive his childhood by building a driftwood fort.
He’d pretend he “let” me win at games of backgammon,
And good-naturedly prepare gourmet barbecue salmon.
In life since kids it’s been hard to get a rest,
The lack of getaways puts our relationship to the test!
When we can’t stand it and need a break from our mess,
Camping in my parents’ backyard is the best…
But we’d far prefer to hop a ferry towards the west
To spend three lovely days at Taku, as their guests!
#9
Hey,
I think they’re all great, but I like #3 the best.
Oops, seems my first comment DID go through (so 67 and 68 are from the same person).
#1 Sheila should win!
#9 Yo!
Andrea should win and let Sean have a day off.
Reba deserves to win!
I think Megan deserves to win because my brother is awesome and a very deserving dad.
I believe Sharisse Dalby, her twins and her husband # 5, really deserve a great vacation. It will be great to know that such a beautiful family have been working so hard to stay together. They both work so much day and night to mantain the harmony in home and to be able to provide with their best they both can for their children. It would be a nice reward not only for him but for the whole family to be able to enjoy a vacation and especially on fathers day.
I really hope they win the contest. My sister has twins and I am see how much stress and work both parents have. I really wish they win the contest, they really deserve a break
Great Dad
wow i think #9 should definitely win! =) ..truly incredible story
Good luck Taz
What a caring Dad !!!! He’s a deserving dad…
Thanks Jason – we are familiar with, shall we say, voting “over enthusiasm”? If we feel that the spirit of the contest isn’t quite being honored – and yes, each person should only vote 1# please – we will definitely address that when granting the prize. I have also deleted your info on how to vote more than once in case it, erm, inspires anyone…
Hi there, I’ve noticed an influx of votes to the contest over the last day, mostly focussing on #5 Shelley. While I don’t want to accuse annyone of “cheating” per se, I just hope that the organizers know how easy it is to vote many many times in this poll:
While I applaud the contest’s goal. I think that the contest would be much more fair if the prize was given randomly to one of the top entries.
As it is a little unfair for those who are not computer saavy, and don’t know how to skew the results (or have time to sit by the computer and vote all day).
Cheers
#9 Good Luck!
I do agreed with Jason. I do find this voting contest very questionable. I have been watching the votes and especially #5 Shelley and how fast her votes literally increased within few minutes. I don’t want to accuse anyone of cheating, but the system is easily challenged.
In my opinion, I prefer having the judges pick the best story rather than just voting for a story.
Thanks.
I vote for #9. I liked that Dad is the hero.
#7 gets my vote !!!
I would like to vote for #7
This Dad sounds like a gem and no doubt he
deserves a holiday with his wife and daughter.
Hoping this vote will be taken into consideration.
#10 Tanya
Hi, this is Shelley #5, feeling bad about the comments above mentioning me, cheating and not honouring this contest’s spirit.
When I found out I was in the top 10, I thought this contest was a fun thing to be a part of and thought it would be fun to see how many votes I could get.
I’ve not been sitting at home clicking the vote for me button all day. All I did was send the contest link to my friends via email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter. I know many friends have forwarded it on to their friends, colleagues, etc. With Facebook in particular it’s amazing how quickly you can gather forces, share information and get people to do things.
If there are people who have voted for me more than once, I apologize, but it’s not something I asked them to do, nor have I been doing it myself. I have posted a message reminding friends they can only vote once.
I agree there should have been a better judging system in place. I’m no longer so excited about this contest, and almost hope someone else wins. Maybe I should post that as my Facebook status: please vote for #888…
I wish to vote story #10
Than you!
Paul
# 6 gets my vote!
Cheers!
Michael
Hmmm, interesting how the voting has really slowed down now that people are suspicious about the number of votes. Is it just because everyone’s contacts are all tapped out? Maybe…but I think I have to agree with Cathy and Jason. A friend of mine did all the things Shelley did, even contacting many people personally. She knows A LOT of people, who all know a lot of people, but did not get close to the response that Shelley did. It seems like if people are doing the same kinds of things, their numbers would be closer.
I think this is a wonderful contest.
I sympathize with Shelley’s plight that one of her friends might have used technological tricks to pad the votes (not fun for her). Checking for duplicate IPs really isn’t going to catch cheating. Depending on the techniques used, reverse IP lookup for geographical location may not even catch it. Really, a contest like this should require personlized comments and a phone number for voting. The WonderDog contest was a good example of this.
These are wonderful poems about wonderful dads. I feel like the contest organizer should quietly choose the one she feels is best and people accept it. The voting may have gotten us this far, but I don’t think it’s a fair way to finish.
Maybe you should just let Taku Resort choose the winner!
Hey all – we wanted to thank all of you who’ve been into this contest enough to comment and send feedback. Because of the issues with the voting we conferred with Taku Resort and we decided to do a random number draw from the top ten entries. The winner has been notified and as soon as we hear back from her we’ll post the results here.
And we really wanted to thank you for your patience as we try this kind of contest for the first time. Obviously we have some kinks to work out but the spirit of the participants and the entries was amazing and a big yeah to all the dads out there!