Moving far away from home is extremely hard, especially because I'm separated from my family. It breaks my heart that I can't just get into my car and drive to see my family whenever I want. But despite the large distance between us, we are still very close, especially me and my dad.
I was always a daddy's girl. I wanted to be just like him. I admired him so much and I felt so lucky to be his daughter. Twenty years later, those feelings haven't changed. My father is loving, generous, fun, spontaneous, passionate, encouraging and supportive. He has done so much for others and has affected the lives of so many people but he'll never know just how much he's done for me.
He taught me everything, from throwing a perfect spiral to how to stand up for myself. One of the most important lessons that I learned from him was what to expect from my husband. I grew up watching how my father treated my mother, with love and respect, and I knew not to accept anything less for myself. He helped me through all of my problems growing up and still helps me out now. My sister and I are, and have always been, his number one priorities in life. And I'm very grateful for that.
It's so hard to try to describe an indescribable relationship or an indescribable person. There are no words that can truly convey just how much I love and appreciate everything my dad has done for me and everything he's given me over these last 22 years.
Daddy, I would love to tell you everything that's in my heart but words don't seem like enough. I just hope that I can grow up to be like you and make you proud. I hope that my future kids love me half as much as I love you because then I'll know that I've done it right.
Whenever I think about you and I start to miss you, I play this song and it makes me smile. It blends together 2 of my favorite things, thoughts about my daddy and Disney.
"If only you could stay
And never say goodbye
If only I could time stop
Believe me, I would try
But fathers have to learn
Their daughters have to grow
And if you truly love them
You must let them go
And oh, I love you so
If only you could know"
-The Little Mermaid
I love you, Daddy! Happy Daddy's Day!
-Chelsea
