To The Father Who Raised Only Daughters, You Did it
Start writing a post
popular

To The Father Who Raised Only Daughters, You Did it

You always said, "There's nothing that I could have done with sons that I haven't gotten to do with daughters."

13731
To The Father Who Raised Only Daughters, You Did it
Zoe Yergler

I bet you never planned on playing on watching Disney Princess movies every night before bed. I'm sure you never thought you'd have to help deliver Girl Scout Cookies or learn how to blow-dry hair. The fact of the matter is, no one really plans on having to learn these things, and I'm sure up until the moment the doctor said "It's a girl," you were fantasizing about throwing a football around the backyard and coaching the little league baseball team with your dream son.

Though you never got have a son of your own, I know there's not an ounce of regret in your heart.

You always said, "There's nothing that I could have done with sons that I haven't gotten to do with daughters."

You never made us feel like we weren't enough.

I remember hearing the tone in peoples' voices when someone would make mention that you have three daughters. It was sort of a "You poor guy." kind of thing, but you always smiled and nodded politely, because you knew something they didn't. Having daughters was pretty awesome.

You were the first example of what a man should be to us. Your strength and advice pulled us through the endless strife that comes with raising a family. There were dark times, times that I thought would never end, but both you and mom persevered and assured as that regardless of all else, we would always have each other, and there's an endless amount of comfort in knowing that someone has always got your back, no matter what. That's what you raised our family to be: a support system.

Looking back on the most trying times, I'm not sure what we would have done without you. It must have been scary having to be the strong one, only letting your strength waver when you lost parents of your own. It was difficult to watch your heart break with mourning. I've always said there's nothing worse than seeing your dad cry, but of course, we pulled through together, supporting each other every step of the way, just like you raised us to.

Sometimes I can't wrap my head around how lucky we got to have a dad who took as good care of us as you did. There are children all over the world who dream of someday having a dad around to lean on and bond with, children who sit up at night and pray for a man to take care of them and love them. What did we ever do to deserve a man like you?

One of my favorite parts of my childhood is the fact that you and mom didn't raise us in a patriarchal household. You worked as a team and had equal levels of responsibility. You made it a point to show us girls that mom worked just as hard as you did to provide for us, and that brought me up with the mentality that I can do anything boys can do, as long as I worked hard and stayed persistent. I feel like more little girls should be raised that way.

As I get older I've become more aware of the sacrifices you made and the chances you took in hopes of being able to constantly provide us with a happy, healthy life.

You did so well, Dad. I don't tell you enough, but you've done such a good job at being everything I needed out of a father.

You've been a coach, a teacher, a chauffeur, a reprimander, a storyteller, a shoulder to cry on, a best friend, a loving husband, and most importantly, the best dad I could have ever asked for. Thanks for being so good to all of the women in your life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58259
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37529
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959154
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193140
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments