The dynamic duo -- the most adorable, but also most trouble-making pair on this earth. Every daughter needs her daddy and vise versa. Here's just a few reasons why.
1. To teach her how to dance.
Every little girl has memories of spinning around the living room standing on top of her daddy's feet. Daddies are so patient and strong. They are the perfect dance partners. They teach us rhythm and patience, but most importantly, they teach us about quality time. Always dance with your dad when you have the chance, no matter how old you get. There's no better bonding moment, and one day you'll miss those moments.
2. To teach her how to ride a bike.
Teaching a little girl how to ride a bike is not a job for just anyone. First, you have to be able to convince them to climb on the bike. Bikes are scary at first, but my daddy always made sure I knew he'd be there to catch me if I fell. I think that trust is always there with daughters when it comes to their daddies. He's the first one you call when you have a flat tire or are lost in the middle of no where. It's not because we think they know everything, it's just that we trust they'll always figure out a way to help us.
3. To buy us candy.
What daddy doesn't like to spoil his little girl? I know mine does. Every gas stop was a trip to the candy aisle. Just face it, ladies, we've had them wrapped around our little fingers since day one.
4. To build stuff for us.
Who knew trampolines and swing sets didn't come ready-to-play? Not us, because Dad was always there to put it together. He wouldn't have it any other way.
5. To teach us how to spit sunflower seeds and go fishing.
I can recall sunflower spitting competitions. Whoever spits the farthest wins. This game was strictly for Daddy time as mom didn't always approve. He also taught me how to rip a worm in half and stick it on a hook. There is no excitement like your first fish, no matter how big or small. Daddies love their little girls, but it doesn't mean he can't turn them into little tom-boys when mom isn't around.
6. For shoulder sitting.
Nothing makes you feel more "on top of the world" like Daddy's shoulders. It's almost like their shoulders were meant for sitting. I'm convinced God made them special that way.
7. To check for monsters.
It was a nightly ritual at my house. There was no way I was going to bed without dad checking my closet and under the bed. I didn't even have to ask, he just knew, because that's what we did... every night.
8. To teach you how to pray.
My dad refused to let me just simply recite the popular prayer "God is great, God is good." Daddy taught me that God deserved more than just a poem, and we were to make our prayers personal. Before dinner and before bed, we talked about who we were praying for and why. Every girl needs that Godly figure in her life, and I am so thankful that my daddy was that person.
9. To protect us from boys.
Sometimes we feel that our dads go a little overboard, but honestly, we should be thankful that our dads want to protect us. Daddies are always the first to let the boys know there are boundaries and to teach us to guard our hearts.
10. To be the loudest in the stands at sporting events.
They don't even need a megaphone. Somehow they seem to scream your name over the entire crowd. Sure, it's embarrassing, but deep inside you know you wouldn't want it any other way.
11. To create inside jokes.
He's like your best friend. There are just some things that are only funny to the two of you. No matter how old you are, there's nothing better than a good laugh with your dad.
12. To walk you down the aisle.
One of the most special parts of a wedding is when the father walks the bride down the aisle. This is when the daughter needs the daddy the most. She needs him to support her and love her enough to pass her on to the man of her dreams. It isn't an easy job, but it is all together one of the most special moments both the daughter and daddy will ever experience.
This article is for all of the daddies and daughters out there, but especially for my daddy. I will forever be a daddy's girl. Happy Father's Day!