Skip to main content

To The Girl With The Embarrassing Dad

You and your dad are regulars at my store. A few weeks ago, he loudly proclaimed to the entire store that it was your birthday. As he went before you like a town crier of old, the rest of us giggled and laughed. You were so red in the face. I know you were embarrassed and probably wanted to crawl under a rock, but there was someone in that store who was actually a little jealous…

Me.

My dad was like that. He told corny jokes that I would roll my eyes at and delighted in embarrassing me. I would do anything to listen to his bad jokes again. I wouldn’t care if he started singing loudly and off-key on purpose in the middle of the grocery store. I just want him back, if only for a moment.

You may go through moments when you’re angry with your dad or embarrassed by him, but treasure your time with him. I can tell that he loves you a lot.

When you move into your own place, don't forget to call him just to say “hi.” When you meet someone special, make sure he respects your dad and makes every attempt to get along with him. It's true that no one is going to be good enough for you in your dad's eyes, but a man who respects your dad is someone worth keeping around. When you graduate college or get married, let your dad enjoy those tears of pride.

When you tell your dad that he's going to be a grandpa for the first time, make a big deal about it. Make sure you get his face on video. When you haven't slept in months, call your dad and tell him thank you for all of those dirty diapers he changed and the countless hours of sleep he lost. Don't forget to send him pictures of your baby's first day of school. When you're fed up with your saucy teenager who's equally embarrassed by you, call your dad. Apologize profusely and then laugh with him.

There will come a day when you will be holding his hand and saying your final goodbyes. Between now and then, fill your years with lots of cherished memories.

Until then, never forget how blessed you are.  

A Fatherless Daughter

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

He Is Enough

Though barren wastelands I travel through, Though darkening hour should cover me, Though my strength is e'er weakening still, I know my God will hold me. No earthly possessions do I own, No place to settle, still. Though survival seems an e'er present theme, I know my God shall sustain me. I have been brought low, But my battered heart yet beats. My life seems shattered into pieces, But I know my God will heal me. He is enough to guide my paths. He is enough to light my way. He is enough to hold me up, And provide my every need. He is enough to be my only Home And make me flourish where I am. He is enough, He is my All-in-All. He is my Rock And guiding hand. He is enough. - Carey D.
Post a Comment
Read more

Letter to My Daughter

My Darling Daughter, You're only three right now, so I know I have many years before we can have this conversation face-to-face. There are some things I want to tell you… some things I learned the hard way. Take your time.  I know you'll want to grow up as quickly as possible and move on to the next phase of life, but take it from me - enjoy where you are. Time goes by so quickly and you should never rush through life. You miss so much. Slow down, take a breath, and appreciate where you are this very moment. Good things will come to you in their own time. Know yourself.  While you're taking your time, get to know yourself. Know what you like and don't like. Find what you're passionate about and chase after that. Don't base your opinions on what someone else thinks - not even me. Your thoughts and opinions are your own. Keep it that way. Any person who tries to change you isn't worth your time. You should  never  have to change who you are for another person....
Post a Comment
Read more

Stretched

On occasion, I have days when I feel like I just can't go anymore. I just want to crawl back into bed with a box of donuts and Netflix. I don't want anyone to need me. I'm done being Wonder Woman. Mommy needs a time out and a long nap... b ut there are long work days, kids to pick up from school, errands to run, little mouths clamoring  to be fed, baths to be given, homework to be done, lunches to pack, and laundry to fold. Then it starts all over again in the morning.  Throw in a nasty strep infection and you've got a complete trifecta of exhaustion. I think Bilbo Baggins described the feeling best: "I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread." As I tucked the kids into bed, croaking at the smaller ones to get back into bed for the fifth time, my six-year-old looked up at me with his large, blue eyes. "Mom, can I pray tonight?" "Sure, sweetie." "Dear God, please heal my mommy. Thank you for her h...
Post a Comment
Read more