Dear Dad,

Thank You.

Often we take our lives for granted. We take for granted the roof over our heads, the blankets covering our beds, the old shoes at our feet, and the breath that we breathe. We take for granted the people that raise us. The people that guide us to the road less traveled, braid our pigtails, pray we lead a life of love, and teach us the word of the Lord. We take for granted our families and friends. We take for granted our grandmothers, aunts, brothers, and mothers. I take for granted my dad.

The man who shows me the true meaning of love through 29 years of marriage and seven healthy kids. The man who walks by faith and the good book, even when he fails to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The man that owns his mistakes, stands up for what he believes in, and never fails to share his opinion. A dedicated worker, confident Christian, and advice giver. My protector, bank when I am broke, shoulder when Monday sucked, and best friend. This man is my daddy.

Recently, I decided to take a big leap of independence. I had hoped to spend the summer away in a whole different state with people I had never met. Two months of sunshine, adventure, and praising God for his blessings upon me. I am fortunate enough to have been raised in a home filled with the Lord, encouraged to always spread my wings, and stand on my own two feet. When the opportunity to spend time away from home arose I leaped and though my dad would never discourage me from stepping out into the world, we failed to be on the same page.

Of course my initial reaction was anger and a whole lot of tears, but now I understand, but only after placing myself in my dad’s very large shoes. I understand that he has seven kids he needs to protect every single day. Seven kids to worry about, pray for, and provide the best. Seven kids that mean the absolute world and then some. I understand that he loves me with all of his heart and only wants me to excel in all that I do. Though my dad did not tell me no, because he only gives advice and then supports our decision, I decided I would not go. My initial reaction was ungrateful when all there should have been in return was a thank you.

We all find ourselves falling short in the thank you department, so everyone, here's to the men that raised you!

Dad,

You often remind me how blessed our family has been. You remind me to thank Mom for ordering pizza, washing my tennis shoes, curling my hair, and fixing my plate. You remind me to thank my nana for that birthday money, Granny for the ride to the pool, my sisters for putting up with my drama queen actions, and my brother for his last piece of gum. You remind me to thank God for working on me daily. I find myself wondering who do I thank for knowing that one girl was not a true friend, lying in bed with me when I need to vent, reminding me that I am intelligent, and never allowing me to quit… Thank you, Dad.

Thank you for raising me in a home filled with the Lord. There has never been a day without prayer, advice without faith, or bad days without hope. Many are not as fortunate as our family to grow up with parents that love Christ or come home to find their dad at the kitchen table studying the Bible. At a young age I had no idea what you were teaching me through the process of sharing verses and encouraging us all to spread the word of God. Words that ring so true in my mind and stand out due to you would be Isaiah 7:9, “If you don’t stand firm in your faith, you won’t stand at all.” I praise God openly and I now know that I only succeed because I do so. I could not wake up in the morning, succeed in schoolwork, create lasting friendships, or work well with others without standing true in my faith all because of you.

Thank you for lending an ear and sharing advice, rather than telling us what to do because you trust us. You never allow yourself to forget that the Lord will guide us and ensure that we enter the path that will lead us to an amazing future of endless opportunity. You pray for us daily and speak the truth, hoping that you can successfully communicate God’s word to each us when we come to you on our rough days or a big decision is awaiting our approval. Though I often find myself fearing what you may think or how others may feel about the decisions you remind me to trust myself because you trust me with your whole heart. I always remember John 16:32, “I am not alone, for my father is with me.” I know that the Lord is always, always guiding, watching, listening, and working on me all thanks to you.

Thank you for teaching me how to fold a bag of chips so they don’t go stale, that the off-brand oatmeal cookies are the best, and giving me the gift of my siblings. Thanks for telling me that my hair needs to be washed and that my dress is too short. Thank you for allowing me to lie next to you and vent for hours. Thank you for explaining the presidential debates, baseball games, and how to do the laundry. Thank you for constantly reminding me to always be aware of my surroundings. Thank you for telling me when I do well and that my words matter. Lastly, thank you for being the best dad a kid could ever ask for.

Finally, this is not a thank you, but an apology. An apology for everything. I’m sorry for all of the arguments we have over boys and drama-filled girls. I’m sorry I cause you to worry when I call at three in the morning and wake up the whole house. I’m sorry for stomping my foot when I’m mad, not coming home enough, or simply calling to check in and say hello. I’m sorry for disappointing you when you expect so much more than the effort I put forth. I’m sorry that sometimes I take you for granted. I’m sorry that sometimes I forget that you are not a superhero and you can’t always fix everything.

Thank you, Daddy, and I love you.

Often we all fall short and grow to be ungrateful. Ungrateful for our bowl of Cheerios, a fresh set of sheets, clean jeans, and the smell of toast in the morning, and siblings squabbling over the remote. I find myself ungrateful for the man, the myth, the legend, my Daddy. Here’s to all the dads out there! Trust me when I say that your family may not always remind you, but they are thankful and they do love you!