My Dad was an awesome guy. He was always there for me. He made my expectations for men high. He was a king in disguise as my Dad. I am so grateful for the years I got with him and a cherish even the littlest moments with him.
He showed me a love of simplicity and nature. He was so serene in the corner of the lake with a fishing pole and a cold beer. He showed me how to make my own happiness in my own world. I do not need a lot of things or people to be happy.
My Dad always wanted the best for me. He always told me how beautiful I was and he always reminded me he loved me. He would do anything to make me smile. He doesn't understand how proud I am to be his daughter.
It's been 9 years since he died. A lot of people don't talk about him anymore. I was told when he died that I would eventually forget him and move on with my life. How could I forget a man that made me his whole world? I couldn't.
I relieve the memories and photos I share with my Dad daily. Not a day goes by where I don't think about him. I still talk about him. I tell his stories to people that have entered my life that didn't get the chance to meet him. I won't let his memory die with him.
He never got to see my tattoo for him. Sometimes I forget I got his military tattoo recreated on my shoulder blade. I felt every stroke of ink he did when he was my age. I didn't tear up because it hurt, I teared up because I missed him.
He will always be with me. His legacy is in me. I live every day in memory of him. He wouldn't want me to sit around still crying over him 9 years later, but he wouldn't want me to forget him.
Every day I have is for him. I am pursuing my dream job because that is what he would want. He would do anything to see me smile, but it's my turn.
I am doing everything in my power to make you smile, Dad. I just want to make you happy, even if I can't see you anymore. You're never forgotten, and you'll never be erased. You are my favorite.