For My Daddy

He probably thought I'd forgotten about him :). I've intended to write this for awhile, but there has been so much going on and I didn't want to rush through writing it just to get it written. That's not my purpose in any of my posts, writing just to write. What to say about my Daddy? I can't imagine having a better person as a dad. He taught me how to write a good paper and give a good speech (tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, tell them what you told them). He taught me about evaluation criteria. He is living prove that you can't let the circumstances life gives you determine the person you are going to become or what you're going to do with your life. He is an awesome example of a godly father and husband. No matter how far away he is my mom receives flowers for all special occasions and sometimes just because. He also doesn't allow anyone to show her any disrespect, and that has always meant a lot to me. He never lets his physical absence prevent him from telling my sisters, mom and I how much he loves us and how proud he is of us. I know a lot of people that say he is scary, and it's probably good that some are afraid of him :), but I also know that once you know him he isn't so scary anymore. He is the funniest person I know. He is kind and caring. I remember once we were driving home from something, and we saw a kitten being attacked by some dogs. Even though he has big time allergies where animals are concerned, especially cats, he got out and saved the kitten. He is always stopping to help people with flat tires, or push a car that has died. He questions the purpose behind things, and doesn't accept something just because "that's how it's always been done." I wouldn't say that Army life has been easy on our family, but I am extremely proud of the service he continues to do for our country. While I certainly wouldn't wish him away, especially when he has had to be gone for so much of our lives already, I admire that he is willing to go anywhere for any amount of time when he believes it is where God wants him to go. He is a living example of taking initiative and giving 100% no matter what it is you may be doing. I know he probably would have really enjoyed having a son, but I appreciate the way he has raised my sisters and I. I am thankful that he didn't let us grow up to be a bunch of girly girls, and that he taught us how to swing a bat, play catch, and throw a football. But he didn't try to turn us into a bunch of boys either. I remember dancing with him in the living room while we listened to Harry Connick Jr. I also remember listening to Welcome to the Jungle and Stray Cat Strut :). He has always placed a high priority on family, and I don't know that all family members always realize that. I am thankful that I can talk to him about any part of my life, that he will give his input, and then let me make the decision. And he doesn't count me as a failure, even when I make silly mistakes. He helps me get back on my feet, dust myself off, and continue on. I wish that some people would realize the advice he is giving them is very sound and wise, he has never led me astray. And that he shares his thoughts and opinions because he cares. He has shown me what it's like to persevere- whether it's making it through countless deployments, or continuing to try to help someone that most would've given up on a long time ago. No matter how old I get, he will always be just a phone call away (though depending on what time zone he's in I may have to wait for him to call back :) ). Daddy, I love you very much!!