Father's Day

My dad and I used to be the daddy daughter duo when I was growing up because I was the only girl (aside from my mom). We would attend the Valentine's day dances, make silly faces at each other, ride roller coasters and scream real loud, and crack jokes whenever possible. My dad's taught me many things - even though I didn't always listen. I got so upset when I was in college that I wasn't allowed to bring a car and had to learn how to ride the city bus. I learned a lesson from that experience - the bus isn't always a bad thing to know, especially when cars would get snowed into parking lots. I also learned that buying a car isn't always easy and something you should jump into without test driving multiple types of cars first. I learned how to drive a 5-speed car so I could always get home if I was ever in the situation. I learned how to respectfully disagree and not just to get my way but to make my point, opinion, answer known. I also learned that family dinners are an important part to growing up: you just have to make sure you come to the table with "something good that happened to you today" to share with everyone else.

Above all of the normal daddy/daughter stuff I've had in my life, I'll never forget the day that my dad cried as I drove away from the house, moving my life and belongings 1300 miles away. I gave him a big hug, got in my truck, and was off on a journey to "start" my life. I really thought that I wouldn't miss family as much because I knew in the back of my mind that I could always call, visit and never really be all that far away. My dad and mom instilled a set of family values in me that makes me want to stay connected to those who mean a lot to me and who I call family. I don't talk to my dad on the phone as much as I'd like because he isn't really a talker, but I do have conversations with him on facebook and get to stay caught up on home life through emails and pictures.

I don't really know if my dad realizes just how much he means to me and how much I look up to him for all that he has accomplished in his life. He's still young, has a lot going for him, and has many dreams to fulfill. I look forward to the day I see his dreams come true because he is so very deserving...and when I can give him a huge hug, in person.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.