That Heartwarming Moment When Richard Engel’s Son Called Him ‘Dada’
Hey there, friends! Let’s take a moment to soak in the pure sweetness of this story. Richard Engel, the talented NBC News chief foreign correspondent, recently shared an incredibly touching essay about the first time his 3-year-old son, Henry, called him ‘Dada.’ It’s not just any moment—it’s a deeply personal and emotional one for Richard and his family. Let’s dive into the heart of this story and feel the love.
Richard, who’s no stranger to tough situations as a journalist, wrote about this experience with such tenderness and vulnerability. In his words, published on Today, he explained, “When Henry said ‘Dada’ for the first time, I was overwhelmed with emotion. For parents of typically developing children, hearing ‘Dada’ might not seem like a big deal. But for me, it was validation, proof that my son knows me, loves me, and understands that his mom and I are here to support him in every way.”
The Special Meaning Behind ‘Dada’
Thank you @TODAYshow for caring about and focusing on the research we’re doing to help my son Henry and so many others. To learn more about it, or help support it, go to https://t.co/BF7rTmYm82 https://t.co/bA9jrEmJws pic.twitter.com/aAtMRaf39Q
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Now, let’s talk about why this moment was so monumental for Richard. Henry has special needs, and his development is different from that of other children. Richard mentioned that Henry had tried saying “Dada” before, but it wasn’t the same as when he fully pronounced it this time. “He’s said ‘Da-Da’ or ‘Ga-Da’ in the past, but this time was different. It was stronger, more deliberate. He was looking at me, talking directly to me, addressing me,” Richard shared. It was a powerful acknowledgment of their bond, and it lit up Richard’s world in a way nothing else could.
A Father’s Love Knows No Bounds
Richard, who’s been married to Mary Forrest since 2015, knows that Henry’s journey will be unique. He shared that Henry may not walk, speak, or develop beyond the cognitive level of a 2-year-old. Yet, despite these challenges, Richard cherishes every moment with his son. “Every little milestone, every little ‘Dada,’ is something I hold dear. It’s a reminder of the love and connection we share, no matter what the future holds,” he said.
Henry’s mom @MaryKForrest is a hero.
She doesn’t get a break, not even for a minute. I’m amazed at all the love she has to give. @TODAYshow Let’s beat Rett Syndrome. https://t.co/jkn4XcDiao. pic.twitter.com/Xa6I0vnJzh— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) March 15, 2019
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And let’s not forget about Henry’s incredible mom, Mary Forrest. Richard couldn’t help but gush about her strength and devotion. “Mary is a true hero. She gives her all to Henry every single day, without hesitation. She deserves all the love and recognition in the world,” he said. Richard is hopeful that one day, Mary will hear her own cherished “Mama” from Henry. “I hope she gets a ‘Hi Mama, it’s good to see you.’ She truly deserves it,” he added.
Wrapping It Up
This story reminds us of the incredible power of love and connection, no matter the circumstances. Richard Engel’s essay is a testament to the strength of family bonds and the beauty of every small, meaningful moment. So, the next time you hear “Dada” or “Mama,” remember that these simple words carry so much love and significance for families like Richard’s.
