"Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that's why I call you dad, because you are so special to me."
Father's Day is a day to celebrate you, and all that you are.
You are appreciated, you are talented, you are successful, you are kind, you are caring.
Above all, you are my dad. My protector, my teacher, my supporter, my biggest fan.
While you are always telling me how proud of me you are, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Starting with how great you were in high school. You got all-state in basketball, scoring 418 points in a season, with a 13.7 average per game, and eventually went on to be a pretty great (and tough) coach. You were just as great at basketball as you were in track, so they say. You set a record in high jump after clearing a height of 6'3", which I never believed until you had the articles to prove it. You also cleared the high hurdles in 15.5 seconds. I remind you of the glory days not only to question why I didn't get all of this athleticism, but also to tell you how impressed and proud I am of all of those accomplishments (even though I wasn't even thought of at that point). You obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree and worked your way up to assistant principal. Smart and athletic, not to mention good looking, what a catch you were. Mom sure seemed to think so too. You did really good with getting her as your wife, the most beautiful and caring person we both know. After getting married, having and raising us probably wasn't easy, giving up all you had so we could have everything we wanted. Above all of these accomplishments, I am mostly proud of the person you are. A man with integrity, good character, and a big heart. I am proud of the man you were, the man you are, and the man I know you will always be.
I am thankful for all that you do for me. All the times you took me to see the world, to experience what life has to offer. All the times you didn't lose your patience with me when I lost something. All the times you told me how proud of me you were, whether I won or lost. All the times you didn't yell at me when you had to turn around because I forgot something, which always seemed to be my dance shoes. All the times you introduced me to everyone, because you were so proud to call me your daughter. All the times you supported me, whether that be at a quiz bowl tournament in elementary school, the 11 years of dance recitals, pageants, several dance competitions, basketball games, volleyball games, banquets recognizing my academic achievement, or the umpteen hundreds of dance performances at half time you watched and told me how good I did on those turns. All the times you texted me just to check on me. All the times you put up with Kallie and I. All the times you gave me advice, even if it was not what I wanted to hear. All the times I cried just because you were. All the times I came to your office to chat. All the times you cooked for me. All the times you knew something was wrong, without me saying anything. All the times you hugged me and told me how beautiful I was. All the times you accepted what I wanted to do, especially when I quit basketball. All the times you kissed me on the forehead and told me how much you loved me. All the times you were there.
You have taught me so much already, both intentional and unintentional. I only expect to learn more from you, but for now, I'll always remember that you taught me:
Always work hard for what you want, things don't always come easy
Be careful driving, "It's not you I'm worried about, it's other drivers"
If you want to be great, you have to put forth the effort
I am valuable and deserve to be treated as such
Speak up for what you believe in, no matter the cost
The meaning of respect, both giving and receiving
Never take anyone for granted, "one day they won't be here"
To always keep your word
Shake it off, get up, and keep going if you get hurt (literally and figuratively)
Always do research online before you make a big purchase
The importance of church and a relationship with my Heavenly Father
Education is very important
A man should always open the door for you
Just because you got lucky with cops, doesn't mean I will
Always look a person in the eyes when you talk to them
If you are holding a gun, always treat it like it's loaded
Sometimes it is just "shutting your eyes", not taking a nap
Wait on that man who is going to treat me like I should be treated
You and mom will always be there for me, no matter what
You taught me everything, except how to live without you.
We have made so many memories, ones that I will never forget. I remember you telling me how proud of me you were at every single performance, game, academic banquet and test. I remember you telling me over and over how beautiful I was and how any guy would be lucky to have me. I remember all the adventures you took me on, always being the navigator I needed. I remember dancing in the kitchen with you. I remember you taking me on a date to show me how a boy should treat me. I remember watching you play the steel guitar. I remember watching you give Amy away at her wedding and thinking one day you would be doing the same with me. I remember the time you gave me my purity ring and told me to wait on the right one when I was married. I remember the time you handed me my diploma and looking at how proud you were of me. I remember those times you drove me in the parade, not to mention the time you let go of the sign and it hit me in the head (good thing you taught me to shake it off). I remember watching you and mom dancing and praying I find someone like you. I remember you taking me to concerts. I remember you walking me in homecoming. I remember all the Razorback games you took me to. I remember the time I cried on your shoulder over a boy, but you thinking it was because I was moving. I remember the day you moved me into college and had to go back home. I remember the next day you having to come jump my dead battery an hour away. I remember the time you got me a car. I remember all the dinners we went to together. I remember all the times I would head back to school after the weekend and we would both be tearing up. I remember all the times I thought, it was my dad who taught me to value myself because he told me I was the most precious thing in his life.
Dad, I will forever be a proud and thankful daughter. I will always think back on the things you taught me and remember all the good times we had together. Looking ahead, I can't wait for the things you'll teach me as an adult and the all the memories we will make. I look forward to the monumental moments I have yet to experience; graduating college, walking down the aisle to my future spouse, and having children. These are all moments I can only picture with you by my side.
"It’s only when you grow up and step back from him–or leave him for your own home–it’s only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it."
The older I get, the more thankful, appreciative, and proud I am of my dad. The older I get, the more I realize that he is the father I'll always have and the dad I'll always need.
I'll always be your baby girl.
Love you forever,
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