It has been quite a while, to say the least. Has it been a
couple months? I apologize for being absent from the blogging world, but life
turned into a marathon without a pit-stop for a quick water break. Between
moving, going to camp, starting school, going down to Portland for one of my
best friends, and just catching up, this was the last on my list.
Tonight as I was on Pinetrest, I saw this link 50 Rules for
Dads of Daughters. As I started reading this blog (I will attach the blog
below), I started tearing up. There are so many of these rules in which my own,
one-of-a-kind -dad, took part of.
Number 19. “Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air
need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you
crying the first time it happens” I remember, vividly, the time he taught me
how to change a tire. It was a cool 90 degree day and I was in a dress, about
ready to go to my first bachelorette party. I needed this information just in
case if I was on the freeway with a flat. That same year, I was driving over at
WSU and got my first flat tire. I was panicking for a second, but I was able to
use my skills.
Number 20. “Take her camping. Immerse her in the great
outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees beauty of
wide own spaces. Leave the iPod at home.” Our family took so many camping
trips. There are endless memories for each camping trip. From Washington we
would drive to California, Oregon, Idaho, and even Montana. I am so thankful
for each camping trip. And although each camping trip was vastly different than
the previous, there was still a constant through each one. Every night it would
be raining, the same comment would never fail as we were trying to fall asleep,
“DO NOT TOUCH THE SIDEs OF THE TENT.” For if we did, we would be sleeping in
water by morning time.
Number 32. “Let her roll around in grass. It’s good for her
soul. It’s not bad for yours either.” There is a tiny hill that is in our front
yard at home. I remember Brett and I would roll down that hill in every
possible way we could think. What I remember the most, however, is dad
constantly watering the lawn during the summer. When I would go on a bike ride
around the neighborhood and finally return home, he would almost be done. If it
was hot outside, he would be standing on this hill and would spray us with water.
Number 42. “Let her know she can always come home. No matter
what.” Maybe I took this to an extreme, but dad was and still is welcoming with
an open door. After college, through student teaching (when you are paying to
intern, basically) the door was graciously open. And until I was stable with my
job and able to leave the house, the door was open. Even still, today, I am
over at least once a week (it seems). The care, love, and generosity never end.
I am so thankful for my dad in my life. I would not be the
same woman I am today if it wasn’t for him. Yesterday when we were celebrating
his birthday and more memories were born as we were laughing, playing games,
cooking, and just having fun. From time to time, we are all guilty of this, but
we take things like this for granted. I have been holding onto these memories
more and more. Why? A couple weeks ago, I went down to the Vancouver area to
celebrate the life of one of my best friend’s father who passed away. As we
were celebrating his life and the impact he had on others. I still cannot even
being to imagine how it feels.
If you haven’t told your dad how much you appreciate and
love him, take a second to do so. It is important to tell your dad the impact
his has had on your life. I could not have asked for a better father. He knows
how to put a smile on my face, taught me about dedication and motivation,
taught me how to make tough decisions, change a flat tire, to throw a baseball,
to go for my dreams, how to be happy, creating a successful life, to fight for
the important things (to never give up), my love for education (he would always
help me with homework), how to be at someone’s side no matter what, how to love,
and so much more.
Thank you dad! I love you!
