Dear Dad,
There are some people who say that a girl’s first love is her father. I have to agree with them. I love you beyond measure.
I could probably count on one hand the number of times that I know of that I disappointed you. You never showed any anger towards me or Tim, or to Mom that I can recall. You have always shown me love and support. You have held my hand through this journey I call life. You have given me a hug when I didn’t know I needed one. You have wiped away my tears when fear and worry consumed me. You prayed with me and for me when fear and doubt crept into my thoughts.
You signed “Butterfly Kisses” on my wedding day. You followed my “doctor’s orders” when I told you to start drinking more water or else. You led by example. You stood strong when others fell. You quietly listen, but snore loudly. You have made me laugh with your dry sense of humor. Sometimes the things that come out of your mouth just make me laugh, because I don’t think you realize just how funny you are!
You, my dearest poppy, are a rare horse, quietly but steadfastly leading the herd. I have never heard you talk negatively about someone, and that’s rare in a world where gossiping about others is almost the norm. You have survived two heart attacks, one in which you had to have a triple bypass. You survived falling off a horse and you have the rod in your leg to prove it. You have proven yourself to be a man of your word, volunteering for jobs that others wouldn’t do, and helping others in need (like during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina) when you yourself were a victim of that same hurricane.
Thanks, dad, for loving me when I was difficult to love. I am glad that we were able to spend yesterday together, in honor of Father’s Day. I love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond, and a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. I will always be your “little girl”!
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
