So, Dad, remember that one day where I sent out a secret email to ALL your friends and family on facebook and I ended up sending it to you too?? -I'm really that brilliant guys. I know.
So those of you who don't know, my dad is turning the big 5-0 and what do you do when that happens? You throw a huge shindig, that's what. So to try and make it the best yet I decided to send out an email to his friends and family asking for memories, advice, or how he has impacted them in one way or another so that I could put it in a jar for him. That way, on his hard days he can read those sweet little messages and be lifted. My very blonde self tried to make it a surprise but I ended up including him on the memory jar list. *bangs head on wall*
It's no longer a surprise but that's not really what matters. What matters is you knowing how much you have impacted MY life and how you have helped me grow into the woman I am now.
I think you have a knack for knowing when something is wrong and knowing all the right things to say. You know the second I walk into your room that I'm in need of a heart to heart and you have never failed to drop what you are doing to focus on me. You've never judged me with my mistakes throughout the years, but have only given words of wisdom and encouragement. I can only hope that someday my husband will have those similar qualities and would be willing to drop anything he is doing to help his daughter like you have done for me.
Remember that facebook status I posted about my grocery shopping? It was a small eye opener but huge at the same time. It made me realize how hard you work to keep Staci and I healthy. To keep a roof over our heads, and food in the refrigerator. I still don't understand what it's like to raise a family but I do know that if I do it like you no one goes hungry, I'll learn how to be completely selfless, and I'll learn hard work along with responsibility. Thank you for taking care of me. It NEVER goes unnoticed.
I love that you can count on me with your english. I know at least weekly you will ask me how to spell certain words like, 'ouch.' That one has been my favorite so far. Or yesterday it was, 'knowledge.' You're killin' me smalls.
There was that one coke... I will NEVER ever forget how good it tasted and I am 98% convinced that its because you ordered it. For some reason it always tastes better out of your cup. The other 2% is the fact that we drank warm water for 7 days straight. Remember that slushy gatoraide too?? I do.
How could I forget my swim days? I want you to know that when I look back on my 'glory days' (as some would call them) I think of you. I think of how you maybe missed 2 meets out of the hundreds that I did, and how you were there timing every race. You were there in the bleachers and you whistled the loudest. I knew because I could hear you through the water. I think my biggest lesson from that whole experience was that I'm only up against myself and that I can't worry about others. You always told me to beat my own time.. not the swimmer next to me. In my daily life I remember that and I have used that lesson with my trials. Its essentially up to me, my hard work, and determination. It's not about the world and the people in it. It's about my life and how I can reflect it.
I struggled the end of my junior year of high school and all through my senior year... unfortunately with a boy. You never once judged me. On one occasion I got sent to the principals office because I forged a note for this, so called.. boyfriend.. of mine. I panicked. I had never been in trouble like that before and I was so afraid to call you, afraid of disappointing you. I dialed your number and it felt like an eternity before you answered. The words poured out of my soul as tears fell frantically from my eyes.
"I forged a note for him to get out of class during lunch and the hall monitor caught me, dad."
You laughed.
Caught off guard, "Uh Dad? Are you laughing at me?"
Still laughing, "Yes! That's not a big deal!! I use to forge Grandma's name ALL the time! Everyone does it."
I swear the heavens had opened.
I think that was just a bump in the road because I realize now that, that is so small compared to what trials were to come my way as years had passed. But, thank you for laughing. You have no idea the relief I had that day. I also learned to NEVER do anything you don't want to just because a boy says so.
I love more than anything in this world that you confide in me. I love that you tell me your feelings about mom, what you would do differently, and how you look at life now. The best gift, and I mean BEST gift you could ever give to your daughter is to love her mother, no matter the circumstances.
Every time I hear a diesel truck... I automatically think of you. You're the sound of home.
Last but not least, because there is so much of you to love, you taught me how to 'kill'em with kindness.' I think that's the hardest thing in life that I have ever done but I do it because you tell me to. It's the most rewarding advice ever.
I love you dad. Every child says this about their parents, but you are truly the best dad out there. The best example of kindness, love, and service.
Happy 50th.
You deserve the entire world, and more.
xo. k.
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