*softly play this song while reading*
In softball we call them utility players. For those that don’t know, a utility player can play several positions on a field. They are prized for their versatility. They rotate depending on what the team needs at the time.
Dad, you are our utility player. You play whatever position our family needs.
I grew up chasing you around the gym-it’s all I knew. Some of my best memories, even ones from the baseline, were made with you as my coach. Basketball is and will always be something that makes me feel so close to you. I look back and wish that time hadn’t gone by so fast. Oh, what I would give to have one more game with you on the sidelines or one more pregame Bible study in the locker room. You never put me on the court until I had earned my role. You always encouraged. You never once raised your voice in anger. Watching you heckle officials/umpires was always entertaining. But one thing I admire most about you is how you make everyone close to you feel loved. You played a father figure role for many girls on my team throughout the years. Although one of your titles has always been Coach McKinney…you are Big Daddy to so many.
I remember countless nights sitting around the kitchen table attempting to do my homework. Although you were tired from whatever your work day consisted of, you took time to make sure I was understanding what I was learning. I will never forget my first day of high school. You came to my first class just to make sure I made it. At the time, I was mortified but now I look back and smile because you were just being you. Your profession was education, but you’ve always been a natural teacher. You taught me math but you taught me much more than that. You taught me how to swing a bat, drive a golf ball, shoot a basketball and ride a bike. You taught me how women should be treated by the way you loved mom. I will never forget the emphasis you placed on praying together as a family. You taught me, despite your childhood, that family is the most important thing. When we love others we not only tell them but we show them and that is exactly what you did. Learning from you is something that I cherish.
Through it all, you’ve always been dad. You have this unique ability to take off the many hats at home and just love on and laugh with your family. I looked forward to game nights as a kid, but now I look forward to vacations just to spend quality time with you. You roll with the punches Jordon and I are constantly throwing. You’ve done your best to make sure we are constantly taken care of. I know you will rejoice at the day we are finally off the payroll, but until then thank you. We don’t say it enough. You’ve exhausted yourself so we could live the life you never had. You’ve protected us. I’m still certain that whoever I marry will sit through an excruciating interview with you and Cedrick. You have been our biggest hero. I will always be your biggest fan.
But Dad you are more than the few things I have mentioned. You are the head of the house that truly holds us all together. You are a jack of all trades. You are our utility player.
Your voice stands out in any gym. Your whistle can be heard across fields. Your humor is my favorite. Your love is felt from thousands of miles away.
When you see me in a few days (we are in single digits!!) expect me to run to you quicker than the top defender on the red-hot press.
Today I will blast ‘My Girl’ by The Temptations and thank the Lord I am your “little girl.”
Happy Father’s Day. I love you.
