The Life of Being Daddy’s Little Girl
Back in my swimming days, my dad used to drive me to and from practice every day. When I was younger, it was about a 15 minute commute, and when I turned 12, he drove me to Tulare (45 mins away!). He would drop me off at practice, then go to Starbucks and do his school work on his computer for the two hours of my practice time, and then drive back at night and do it again the next day. He’s not much of a talker, so our car rides were normally quiet, with a question or two about practice. Sometimes when I was feeling extra talkative, I would ask random questions about the trees or something. But there’s something comforting about our silent car rides. I knew he was always there and that he supported me.
At swim meets, he used his tech skills and worked the computer so he didn’t have to make small talk with other parents. As I said, he’s not much of a talker. So when got ready for a race, I would look at my dad and he’d hold up a zero with his hand which meant I could do zero breaths in one lap. He pushed me and believed in me. I knew he was watching because when I finished, he’d always give me a thumbs up or head nod. Then he’d go back to work!
With my dad not being much of a talker, he showed his love by acts of service. When he made my favorite breakfast before a swim meet, he was saying he loves me. When he drove me every day to practice, he was saying he loves me. When he put gas in my car, he was saying he loves me.
He’s also quite the comedian! He makes us laugh all the time! I like to say I got my humor from him. I also would say I got my personality from him. I enjoy quiet car rides and making those I love laugh.
Let’s fast forward to my wedding day. Every time I thought about our father-daughter dance, I would tear up. I love him so much and couldn’t imagine my life without him. As soon as we were about to walk down the aisle together, where he would give me away, I started to tear up. They weren’t sad or even happy tears, I would say they were thankful tears. Thankful to have a dad that loves me the way he has my whole life. Like WOW God, thank you for such an amazing dad who I love, respect, and makes me feel loved.
Then comes our father-daughter dance and I LOST IT!! I mean, I was definitely crying and there are photos to prove it. We danced to “I Loved Her First” and the words made me cry. He most definitely loved me first. He has always been there whenever I need him. Dancing with him on my wedding day made me feel all sorts of special feelings! I was happy to spend this day with him, sad that I was growing up and moving on away from him, yet at peace dancing in silence with my daddy.
I definitely didn’t get my emotions from him (thanks mom), but whenever I think about how blessed I am with my dad, I get a big lump in my throat and tear up. There are just some things I can’t put into words… and that is how much I love my daddy. I will always be daddy’s little girl.
I love you Dad <3
