Every little girl should believe that her daddy is the best daddy in the world. But honestly, mine really is. I used to think that you played favorites and that Elijah was the only child you thought you had because he is the only boy, but as I grow older I realize everyday just how important I am to you. I want to share a few things that I remember about growing up with you as my daddy. Since lots of people will read this I will write it to them. I hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane. Don't worry, I will drive safe!
I have always and will always call my early father, daddy. My mama told me once that when my brother was born he was so happy that his feet floated off the floor the first time he saw him and came back down a few days later. Then, she looked at me with that little twinkle in her eye, and told me that when I was born his feet floated off the floor and he still hasn't come back down. I can remember him singing me to sleep to Eagles songs and old George Jones hits. I can remember being so small that I would stand up next to him in the seat of the truck instead of sitting next to him while we were on a drive. I remember my parents taking me and Elijah to the junior museum in Tallahassee and daddy videoed us running all over the place. I was wearing those "coolates" the big baggy shorts, and daddy told me to smile at the camera. I pulled my shorts up as high as they would go and smiled at the camera. He laughed and said I was worth a cool million. (I must say I was quite the charmer even at a young age.) When I was young I would take things to him that I had messed and he would always fix it. I asked him how he could always fix it and he would tell me "You know daddies can fix anything!" He never missed a prom photo shoot and he was there for homecoming too. He was the last one I hugged before I left on the mission and the second one I hugged when I got home. He keeps my secrets and promised to do so before I even had any that I wanted him to keep. That makes this little girl feel safe! He shared his love of the outdoors with me from a very early age and even now takes me with him. When I went home a few weeks ago he took me out fishing and when he would have a bite on his line he would always give it to me and let me reel it in. It took me a minute to catch on but I laughed so hard when he asked me if I could take my own fish off. He taught me to do that as a little youngin and there have many boys that I had to teach. I was always proud that daddy would teach me and it made me feel so loved and spoiled. Now at the age of 25, I am very well rehearsed in the art of unhooking a fish.
I have not always been the nicest person or the best example but every time he would correct me I could feel the love that he had for me. I know that he expected me to do my best and that is, and always has been enough for him. I didn't grow up rich but I grew up well, in large part thanks to the time daddy spent with me. He put up with me during all the teenage drama and that preteen stage where I didn't want to be a girl. He loved me anyway.
As I have grown older the scrapes and scars have become less and less to my physical body and more to my heart. Even though he knows how wonderful I am I haven't found a man my own age who believes that yet. He keeps telling me not to rush it and that it will happen. He is one of my biggest cheerleaders, although my cheering section is packed with those that love me. He loved my mama enough to marry in the temple, and set the best example for me. He went on a mission, magnifies his calling, and kisses my mama when he walks in the door. He has always given me priesthood blessings when I needed them and came to girls camp and did the over night watch every single year that I went. He changed the oil in my car, made sure I had gas money and that I came home safe.
Daddy, Earlier today I posted on my facebook, "To the best daddy in the world: I wanted money, you taught me to work. I wanted love, you taught me forgiveness. I wanted happiness, you taught me to be honest. I wanted to serve a mission, you learned to email. I went to college, you learned to skype. I got my heart broken and you helped me love myself again. The greatest thing that you have ever done for me was to love my mama. I love you. Happy Fathers Day! " Now I will add, you have made it so hard for me to fall in love! Daddy, you are such a good man, I don't know if any of the boys in my generation can even come close! But don't worry, I promise not to settle for one who doesn't love me the way you do mama, BUT he will NOT be allowed to "beller" like you do! ;) I know that you will love whoever I drag in, just like you love me no matter what. Even as good of a man as I will end up with, never doubt that you are the real hero in my heart.
Love eternally,
Your Punkin Doodle
