In May I acknowledged my mom with a blog post for Mother’s Day. She was so touched. In fact, even though Mother’s Day was more than a month ago, she will still call periodically to say she watched the video again and cried. I love her and I’m so happy I could give her that gift.
So with Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, I wanted to do the same for my dad. There’s something special about the father-daughter bond. Through the good and bad, and through thick and thin, my dad has always been there for me.
I remember my dad not only coming to all of my events, but coaching my softball league, as well. We would load up our full-size conversion van with girls and head off to the game. So many fun memories happened on those softball fields!
He was also the first person that I would sing a duet with. We sang together for my sister’s wedding, and it made me feel more comfortable that I had him with me in case I messed up! Singing with him gave me the confidence to begin singing on my own. Today, singing is one of my greatest passions. I had a wonderful opportunity to sing with my dad’s choir last year… It was definitely a full circle moment.
When I had my accident I remember Dad telling me that if he could trade places with me he would. It was through those words that I saw his deep love for me – a father’s love. He also was there to encourage me, make me laugh, and help me back to my path of independence. I will never forget the sacrifices that both my parents made when I moved home. They continue to sacrifice, even today.
My dad definitely did not have an easy upbringing, and could have continued on the path of hurt and pain, but instead he wanted better for his children and for that I will be forever grateful. He chose to instead have a positive attitude, at times to the annoyance of his children. For example, he always had a song to sing and a smile on his face. On mornings when I did not want to wake up, Dad would come into my bedroom and begin singing his “Good Morning” song. It was a happy, chipper, upbeat song that a tired teenager does not want to hear. However, today that positive attitude has impacted my life and shown me the power of it.
Dad, on Father’s Day and every day, I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you. This video tribute is for you…