I want to take a moment and share with you all some of my feelings for my dad. It's hard (really hard) to put into words just how much my dad has shaped me into the person I am. I am one of five children. In order of birth, I am number 4 and the youngest girl. As a kid, I was always desperate for my dad's attention. As the hardworking provider that my dad is, he was often away working during our childhood. He taught seminars back then and would travel all over the country teaching, often for weeks at a time. So when he was home, it was highly competitive to get his undivided attention. I was that kid running up to him "tickle me daddy, tickle me daddy", "My turn daddy, spray me with the hose", "More! Daddy". I was also that kid that would sneak into my parents closet, on my dad's side, sit on his shoes and put things in his suit pockets. Little pictures or toys, just things for him to find when he was away teaching. I can still smell the leather of his dress shoes when I think about it.My dad's nickname for me (well one of many) has always been "baby girl". It's a name I wear with pride. During those childhood years, he always made it point to tell me just how special that title is. You are the only one who can be my baby girl. I love all of you, but you will always be MY baby girl. Even back then, I knew that name set me apart. It was just for me. It made me his, and him mine.
Now mothers and fathers both play an integral role in their children's lives. They both teach and provide for, but in different ways. My dad wasn't necessarily the nurturing type, but he was the one with the twinkle. You know, he's the one that would have a surprise destination or adventure for us. He'd pack us all up and take us for a bike to the park, not our park, the one on the other side of town with the cool fort, or take us for a walk... to the zoo! He'd also be the one to put us all in the car for a spontaneous trip to Magic Mountain or Disneyland! (Okay, as an adult I know it was spontaneous, but it was for me as a kid) He'd come up with car games to keep us entertained, like offering a FREE candy bar to whichever kid came the closet to guessing how many bridges there were on the way to wherever we were going. Oh, and don't ever think he'll tell you anything about a surprise. He's an excellent secret keeper. We were never the kids to ask "Are we there yet?" instead, we would ask "Where are we going?" and the response was always "CRAZY". I don't know where crazy is, but it always was a fun destination.
Fast forward through the awkward teenage phase (no need to dwell on those tough years) to my young adult life. That is really where my dad and I got close. It was once I was old enough or mature enough to really benefit from his wisdom that we got close as friends. He is the one who taught me work ethic, how to handle conflict, how to write a resume and cover letter, what to look for when buying a car, how to hang a bathroom mirror, how to research and compare. He's the first person I call when I don't know how to do something. It's funny, you hear stories of the day when someone realized their dad didn't know everything. Well that day hasn't come for me. He still knows everything! He's still teaching me things.So on this very special day where we honor all the fathers and daddy's out there, I want to say THANK YOU to my dad. I want to put him at the top of the "Best Dad" list. I want to recognize the man that has been there for me my whole life. Who watched my first steps as a baby, first steps as an adult, first steps as "mommy". I want to thank him for being my support when I needed it, and my safety net when I didn't. I'm thankful that I got a good one. I'm thankful to be his "baby girl". I love you daddy! Happy Daddy's Day!
