To the man i love…
I stand on stage waiting for my music to start. I squint past the glare of the stage lights, scanning the crowd. My eyes focus on the only man in the sea of mothers, rhinestones and tutus-you, my daddy. I exhale knowing I have your support and then I dance my heart out.
Most of my life has been spent on stage. While most men were playing golf or watching sports or a multitude of other more desirable things, you were always in the audience. You never missed a dance recital, beauty pageant, dance competition, cheerleading competition, any game where I cheered or any stage where I danced. Thank you Dad. You taught me how to love selflessly.
I can still remember some of my first trips to the ocean. I was fearless. Fearless because I knew whose shoulders I was riding on. You would go as far as you felt safe with a toddler-your only daughter, on your shoulders, and I would yell to go a little further. I normally got what I wanted. Thank you Dad. You taught me how to be brave.
You were my chaperone in sixth grade as my class travelled to NYC. I felt so special when you stole me and my friends away from the group one night for some cheesecake. Thank you Dad. You taught me to go my own way, blaze my own trail and always find the adventure.
When I decided my mass produced dance costumes weren’t special enough and I needed mine to be one of a kind, you worked extra hours to pay for them. Thank you Dad. You taught me how to work hard and sacrifice for the people I love.
You took me and continue to take me to breakfast every Saturday morning, one of my most favorite times with you. Thank you Dad. You taught me that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
When I moved to NYC, you picked up the slack of a lazy landlord and fixed every leaky faucet, bad wiring, wiggly doorknob and flickering lightbulb. Even if it meant packing tools in your suitcase, you made sure my home was comfortable and secure. Thank you Dad. You taught me how to serve others, be a fixer and take care of myself.
When my heart was broken and I felt ugly and unworthy, you (wanted to kill him) told me I was beautiful and any man would be lucky to have me in his life. Thank you Dad.You taught me that I am beautiful exactly as I am and worthy of pursuit.
You look at my mommy like you just met her. You still value romance and the little things. You support her in all she does. When she is down you pick her up. You hold her hand and tell her daily that you think she is beautiful and you love her. You are patient with all her spunky sass (I got it honest). You lovingly correct her when she is wrong. Thank you Dad. You have taught me how a man of God lives and what I want in a husband.
When I told you I was going to apply for the World Race you told me you were proud of me and when I left you said you had never been more proud. Thank you Dad. You taught me to follow the call of God wherever it may lead.
Thank you Dad. For all that you’ve taught me and will continue to teach me.
I am who I am today because I have a Heavenly Father who blessed me with a dad like you. You have always loved me, supported me and delighted in me and for that, I am forever grateful.
Today, I honor my hero and the only man who has proven to be worthy of my heart (thus far). “Sweet Angel Billy” I love you. Happy Father’s Day.
