From the ages of 9 – 17ish I was obsessed with Orlando Magic basketball. Dad and I spent sometimes 3 nights a week on the top row of the Arena cheering our hearts out. One time we were at a meet-the-players event and I got the chance to karaoke with my fav player – Darrell Armstrong. I will never forget that day because I was so nervous and excited to make beautiful, radio worthy music with Darrell. I’m sure I wanted to sing something along the lines of Mmmbop or Christina Aguilera, and my Dad made me sing some Alabama song I’d never heard of. Needless to say no one who heard us requested a record deal and Darrell didn't ask me to hang out afterwards. Life lesson: always choose a crowd please, NOT Alabama.
My Dad asks the hard questions. He’s not afraid to ask my real intention behind a decision I’ve made or to ask me how my relationship with God is. Just today he text me to ask where I think I’ll be in a year. It’s cute that he thought I would even possibly have an answer to that question. haha. But I love that he pushes me and questions me. It keeps me on my toes and usually makes me think more logically than I would naturally tend to.
When I was 15 my dad took me to a Hanson concert. Not only did he drive me there, but he went to the concert too. That’s love.
When I was 4 years old Dad helped me to preform my first surgical procedure: the cat neuter. At that age I really could not understand why someone would want to deny themselves the joy of kittens, but I wanted to wear the surgery gear so I helped anyway.
My Dad loves my Mom. That’s not just something that I assume, it’s something that I know. I know because he tells me and he tells her. All the time. It’s kind of sickening actually. But in that really cute, ‘awww, they’re in love and it’s precious’ kind of way. My Dad has taught me what a God centered, loving relationship can look like. I want my husband to love me as much as my Dad loves my Mom. It’s amazing and I think it makes God really happy.
When I was in elementary school and we had early release day, Dad would pick me up from school with the jet skis already hooked up to the back of the truck and drive straight to the lake. I didn’t even have to finish my homework first!
I once described my Dad as being ‘inappropriately funny.’ He wasn’t too thrilled with that description, but I stand by it. He likes pranks, teasing people and things that I think are gross – like wet willies. Example: a few months ago he sent me a picture of an unidentifiable mound of objects and asked me to guess what it was. I was all zooming in on my phone trying to pick out what all the things were. I later found out it was a picture of dog barf. See what I mean? As much flack as I give him about the weird stuff he sends me, my Dad is the funniest guy I know (well, maybe 2nd to Brian Regan. sorry dad.). There is never a dull moment with him and I absolutely love it that way.
Daddy-o,
There are a zillion and one things I could and probably should thank you for. But most importantly, thank you for loving our family and for loving Jesus. I can’t wait until the country roads take me back to Umatilla and into your arms! I love you!!!
"'Blasting Zone Ahead.' Should't that read 'Road Closed?' Remember that last blasting zone? We lost Billy."
Happy Father’s Day!
xo,
Becca.
