(Stole the title from chloe, lol sorry)
There are 27 women on my squad. 26 of those women are single. So you can imagine how many conversations about guys we’ve had over the last 6 months. Tons. We’ve talked about what it’ll be like dating eventually after we get home. We talk about how far we’ve come from past tense dating. We talk about what we’re looking for in a husband.
Some women want quiet, sensitive, and safe. Some women want loud, outgoing, and adventurous.
Me?
I want a man just like my dad.
Steve Pulley is the man of all men. I’m convinced he can do just about anything. If he can’t? Well I’ll bet you your next paycheck and a Shipley’s donut that he’ll figure it out. He’s incredibly smart and witty. He’s generous and thoughtful. He‘s smooth dance moves and a bourbon drink on a cold night. He’s the funniest person I know and hes not afraid to tell you either. But he’s also not afraid to call you out. He’s not afraid to speak into your potential when you’re being a grade A ass. He’s tough love and bow ties. Me and mom joke that he’s an asshole with a heart of gold. You can’t out smart him. You can’t out argue him. He’s more than likely gonna intimidate the crap out of you the first few times you meet him and he’s more than likely right. About everything. Because he’s Steve.
BUT
He’s also the one that you can call at 3 in the morning if something is wrong. He’s the type of man that will give you the shirt off his back and think nothing of it. He’s the type of man who invests in people in a life long way. He finds out what you love to do, then learns all about it so he can understand your passions. He sees something and works so hard to make it the best version of itself possible. Whether it’s people, business, hunting, or landscaping (maybe even your car) he’s gonna try and leave it better than he found it, swear.
I’ve lived in a house full of rowdy, outspoken men my entire life. I’ve seen the best and the worst sides of guys since before I can remember. I feel more at home watching football and drinking beer than going shopping and gossping with the girls. Don’t get me wrong, my momma raised me to be a full on woman and I love everything that it entails. However, my track record with men (my dad included) isn’t up to par.
Growing up, I can remember very few times before I was 18 where me and my dad didn’t have a full on argument every 30 minutes. We were both stubborn and hard headed (we still are). We were both in very unhealthy mind frames to be able to love eachother well. So, I just didn’t try to love him at all.
Fast forward to 18 and a trip to Chicago that changed the game. We used to just bond over football games and random things when we were even tempered enough to do so, but this trip was different. We did all the things and had a blast.
After that, our relationship grew tremendously. I couldn’t tell you what actually made the switch flip. Could’ve been the nightly Cheesecake Factory visits for dessert, could’ve been the rainy Cubs game, could’ve been the fancy dinners and the hole in the wall lunches, could’ve been Navy Pier or the Aquarium. I’m not sure, but I’m thankful it happened.
Ever since that trip, my dad has been invested. He’s been constant, an unwavering source of faith even when I had none. Looking back, he was all those things before, but through my own adolescent arrogance I couldn’t see it.
I’ve gone through some breakups over the years, naturally, and it’s funny how every time something doesn’t work out my dad is the one that brings in the light. Even when things go wrong with my brothers he’s the first one I call. He’s given me the best advice and some questionable advice, but, nonetheless, he’s been there through it all. He’s called them idiots and told me I could do better. He’s said nothing at all about it and just took me to go get something sweet. He has let me verbal process till I’m blue in the face. He has encouraged me to feel all the feels that come with feeling inadequate after a relationship ends.
The more boys I meet, the more I love my dad. My dad isn’t afraid of commitment and sacrifice. Ask him about his marriage and all that him and my mom have weathered together. He’ll tell ya. But he’ll also tell you it’s been worth it because she’s his buddy. He serves her in ways I can’t even begin to describe (Seriously I’ll cry). He has served me in ways that I truly don’t deserve. He has served my brothers in ways they’ll probably never even know about. My dad doesn’t shy away from a challenge, he faces them head on. He has been the perfect example to me of what a man, husband, and father should be like.
I’ve been burned by people.. I’ve been told I wasn’t good enough, pretty enough, smart enough. You name it. But, every time that happens my dad comes in and makes sure that those lies never linger. He speaks light hearted truths into my heart and proves it by his actions. My dad has redeemed the male population for me on more than one occasion. My dad has shown me grace when I deserved none and love when I didn’t earn it.
The Bible talks about the Father’s love, how deep and unconditional it is. I love that the Father in heaven thought I was worthy enough to give me a father on earth to be a physical representation of what that looks like. My dad redeems faith, love, hope, men, football, cars, fires, power tools, and countless of other things for me on a daily basis. I couldn’t be more thankful.
Happy Birthday Steveil. I love you.
I couldn’t be more proud to be your daughter!
Love,
M.E.
