To The Man Who I Have Wrapped Around My Finger
I am the only daughter in a family of five. When there are three boys and only two girls involved… things get kind of crazy. And to add to that, let’s just say that when it comes to my dad, he is nothing short of crazy. To be fair, he was a youth minister many years ago, so he used to deal with teenage craziness all of the time. I think it is safe to say that he kept that crazy with him all these years later!
Don’t get me wrong; I love my dad! Like most daughters, I can easily say that I am huge daddy’s girl. I think of the many different places we’ve gone and things we’ve done together, and I instantly understand why I love him so much. So, in his honor, here’s an open letter to the first man in my life:
Dad,
You have always had my best interest at heart, and you love me even when I don't listen to you. I can still remember the times as a little girl when I would do something wrong and you would pull me aside and get ready to discipline me. I would be so scared, but then sometimes out of the blue, you would show me grace. There were many times when I knew I deserved a spanking, and just as it was about to happen, you would say, "Because Jesus showed us grace, I will show you grace." That sentence still runs through my mind these many years later.
Let me say this: There is no one that I would rather have as an earthly father than you. You show me grace when it is not deserved. You show me how to truly love and how to be loved. You show me that choosing happiness after being upset is a decision, and that it is the best choice. Thank you for being the man that I have been able to count on since Day One! Thank you for being the one who lets me sit in your lap and cuddle up with you even at nineteen. Thank you for being the one who takes the couch so that I can sleep in your bed with mom when I am not feeling too well. Thank you for all of the work you put in at the office and for everything you do for our family at home.
I can't imagine my life without you. So, just in case you don't hear it enough from me at home, let me say it for the whole world to read: I love you, Daddy!
Your little girl
