Fathers be Good To Your Daughters

I’m a pretty lucky gal. I have the World’s Greatest Dad.

Don’t be all jealous or get your knickers in a knot yelling at me that you have the worlds greatest dad. I’m sure you do. Lets not fight.

But my dad is the World’s Greatest Dad to me.

It’s often said that daughters marry someone like their own fathers. I see this every day in my work and trust me when I say, its not always a good thing.

But I’m one of the lucky ones.

I married a man just like my dad in so many ways and for me that is a very good thing.

I married a man that treats me like his princess yet never holds me back and always supports my dreams. Just like my dad.

I married a man that works so hard for his family day in and day out. Even when ‘bringing home the bacon’ is stressful, not fun and my guess is not what he dreamed of doing when he was a young boy, he does it. He makes sacrifices so our children can have the world and doesn’t complain about it. Just like my dad.

I married a man that loves his daughters more than the world. Who knows when to laugh with them, hug them, challenge them or set down the law. I married a man of integrity and grace. Just like my dad.

I married a man who is sometimes a little to protective of his little girls. Who doesn’t want them too date until they are 28 and thinks they should be wearing turtle-necks and snow pants every damn day of the year.  My girls know that it’s better to ask mom first, or have me soften the blow with dad for topics related to driving, boys, make-up and clothes. Just like my dad.

I married a man that learned to do things and fix things around the house by himself as part of his fiscal role and 'manly' duties. Oh wait, no I didn’t. Dylan is the guy who hires people. Dad, I really need you to come over as the garburator is broken, the dishwasher is making a weird clicking noise and our garage door code isn’t working. I could use some help with the painting touch ups as well and can you pick up a jug of milk on your way over?

I married a man that will always take care of his little girls. Just like my dad.

I have many memories growing up with my dad who even though roles looked a bit more traditional in the 70’s and 80’s, always pushed the envelope and was more than just the breadwinner. He actively participated in our lives. From chauffeuring to early morning sports to teaching me how to drive, he was there. He was also ALWAYS there when a boy came knocking at the door, standing at the top step of the landing just to ensure his 6’4” frame was extra noticed. One boy actually forgot his own name when asked by the looming man at the top of the stairs when he would have his daughter home. Yup…couldn’t remember his own name and pretty sure he shit his pants. Well done dad. The date sucked, he was looking at his watch the entire time.

The threat of “wait till you father gets home” was always more of a blessing in my house. My dad had a lot of practice at cooling down the hormones of two teenage daughters and an only slightly less hormonal wife. Dylan is learning this skill as well, but may need some extra support over the next few years. Or wine.

Half of the grey hair on my father’s head is because of me. The part of my heart that will always belong to my dad is because of who he is and the love he not only taught me, but also showed me. Kisses on scraped knees and hugs when boys broke my heart were all it took to let me know it was going to be ok. Even as an adult, my daddy can make me feel it’s all going to be ok.

To some this day marked on the calendar is a bittersweet reminder of a father lost or one that was never there. I know I am blessed. I am blessed because not only was my father an amazing role model growing up with, but I am also now proud to call him my friend. His role has changed as we have grown and now have kids of our own, but I will always be daddy’s little girl.

Always.

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! Today tell the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, the mom’s who take on dad’s responsibility or any man that has been a role model that you love them and appreciate them.  Celebrate them today and everyday, no matter if they are here on earth or watching over us gone too soon.

I love you dad and I appreciate all you are and the impact you had on shaping me into the woman I am today. Because of you, I know what respect and a healthy relationship are. Thanks.

Pretty much any man can father a child. It’s a special man that can be a dad.

For those of you who didn’t have that, just make sure you find someone or be the parent that you want you daughter to marry.

Just like my dad.

Xo J

P.S. Dad thanks for not killing Dylan. I picked one just like you and so will my girls.