When I was a little girl I relied on my dad for lots of things. He was the one who held onto the back of my bicycle when I couldn’t quite balance it on my own. His singing and guitar playing filled the house when I was having a hard time falling asleep. When I was scared I could slip my hand into his and suddenly I was the bravest girl in the room.
As I grew older and navigated my teenage years, Dad continued to be my safe place to land. When I had a rotten day at school, we could sit together for hours watching a baseball game on tv. Without even saying a word to each other, all was right in the world again. My car would break down. Dad was there in minutes working his magic to quickly bring the engine back to life. He was always there with good advice as I stumbled awkwardly through my “dramatic teenage girl moments.”
My Dad taught me that a husband and father should love his family, protect them, and always consider their well-being above that of his own. When I met the man of my dreams, my Dad walked me down the aisle and agreed to give me away as long as my husband understood that very thing. At our wedding reception, as my Dad fought back tears, he placed my hands into that of my husband’s and told him he was handing over the keys to my heart.
At first it was strange that my Dad wasn’t going to be the number one man in my life anymore. I often had to remind myself not to immediately call Dad when something broke around the house, but to give my husband a chance to figure it out. I mean how do you suddenly stop relying on the man who has been by your side for your entire life?
As I’ve grown older, and now have kids of my own, I think I have actually grown to appreciate my Dad even more than before. I still need him just as much as when I was a little girl.
I still need my Dad to make me feel safe. During my darkest times as a adult and a parent, my Dad is a person who I know just “gets it.” When he tells me that everything is going to be okay, I believe him. If I’m feeling nervous or anxious about something, he’s there to help talk me through it.
He always has a wise perspective to offer. His advice is invaluable to me. I will always feel the need to run things by my Dad. If I’m shopping for a new car, I want to know what he thinks about the make and model I’m considering. If I need directions for a trip, I assume Dad knows how to get there better than the map on my phone.
My Dad motivates me to constantly improve myself. He hasn’t had the easiest life an has certainly persevered through many challenges. He has always encouraged me to dream big and work hard. My Dad somehow sees the best in me, when I can’t see past my faults. I feel like I can do anything as long as he’s rooting for me. Getting a hug and an “I’m proud of you” from my Dad is better than any other prize or reward.
Maybe most importantly, I need my children to experience the love of a devoted grandfather. My Dad loves his grandchildren immensely, and they know it. He spoils them, praises them, and guides them in a way only a grandpa can. Much like parenthood has changed me, being a grandparent has transformed my Dad. It’s truly an amazing thing to watch. He is never too busy to change a diaper, throw a baseball, or read a book when his grandkids need him. My heart overflows with joy at the sight of my kids being held safely in my Daddy’s arms. They will forever think fondly of their “PawPaw” and never doubt the love he has for them.
It turns out that a little girl never really outgrows her Dad. She will need him for all the days of her life. If you are lucky like me and you were blessed to have an amazing Dad, remember to be grateful for the amazing gift he is to your life. If you are able to, give your Dad and big hug and a simple “thank you” this Father’s Day. It’s the least he deserves.