One of the many reasons that I love my dad is he 'gets' me. I don't feel like I have to explain myself to my father. I could chalk it up to the fact that I am a lot like him, but it is a bit more than that. He listens to me. Writing that last sentence was a bit tough for me because those who know my dad know that listening isn't, in general, his strongest attribute. He tends to talk more and listen less...a trait that was genetically reproduced identically in me. But when we listen, even if it isn't often, we truly hear what others are saying.
My dad surprised me with a gift on my last visit home. A Don Williams CD..."The Definitive Collection." During our previous visit he heard me say that I loved his music and that a few songs in particular meant a lot to me. While out shopping with my mom, he found a CD with every song that I love on it and even though he wanted one for himself he bought the ONE remaining CD and gave it to me.
It is suggested by some that I was/am spoiled by my dad. I don't know, maybe I was...but I think that it was more than that. My dad found ways to make me feel treasured. He remembered important days but he made special days out of ordinary ones and he trusted me. He set boundaries, demanded respect be shown to my mother, and made his expectations clear. Because he loved me and modeled respect I had very little desire to challenge his authority and had even less desire to disappoint him.
I know that not everyone has this type of relationship with their father, and it saddens me. I can not imagine it any other way. I have been blessed through his love and his guidance. And even though I've always known him to be a good father he's an even better grandpa.
17 comments:
What a sweet tribute to your awesome dad! That is such a special relationship. :)
You are very blessed. Lindsey and Dave have that same awesome relationship. It just makes my heart so thankful.
Precious posts. I'm a daddy's girl too. My dad is getting 'up there' in age and it makes me all the more grateful for the times we've had together and to remember to share with him how special he is to me!
Are you feeling better today? I prayed for my blog friend's funk!
That is one amazing Dad, and one amazing relationship you have with him.
Yes all- I'm through with the funk! For those of you who tried with your humor to brighten my day you suceeded. Thank you!
"I'm trading my sorrows, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying them down for the JOY of the Lord!"
That is so neat! You Dad sounds like a great person! What a great relationship you to have!
You are a very lucky girl. I must say, I'm a bit jealous. My father doesn't give a hoot about me or my family and I don't even know where he lives right now ... though I think about him every single day. Afterall, he's my FATHER!
Treasure what you have ... though I know you do!
I think it is amazing how daughters bond so much with fathers and sons with their mothers. I know that there are times that my wife is jealous of my relationship with my daughters and when I call my parents I usually try to talk to my mom because my dad doesn't always hear me. I think that is because, like my grandpa used to say, when your mouth is open your ears are closed. I love him all the same, but when I need to be heard, for me it's my mom.
It was very hard for me when I had my 5 year hiatus from my dad. He's always seemed more fond of my sister who's 2 years older than I am. We're ok now, but he's never met our two youngest children - which is hard.
I'm always glad when people are able to appreciate their parents. Not everyone does.
Hi, I am greatly humbled. Don't know what to say except it hasn't been difficult. I am the one who is blessed with four children of whom I am very proud and oodles of grandkids of whom I love dearly. Thanks
that is very cool!
What a great post. I have a similar relationship with my dad. Growing up, I played bass guitar in my dad's band and I have so many wonderful memories from those days.
PS - I LOVE DON WILLIAMS!!!! I was named after his song "Amanda"
Ahhhhh I love your dad too! What a blessing you have in each other.
Heidi Joe - So enjoyed this wonderful post. We are so blessed to have wonderful relationships with our dads. I always said it was never hard for me to believe in a loving Father God because of my loving earthly Father. I ache for children that don't have that.
Yup! I'm a daddy's girl too. My Dad's a gentle humble man who doesn't talk much. But my mom does--so whenever I call them and my dad answers, he says hello and chats for a few minutes and then quickly hands the phone to my mom who's standing there impatiently tapping her toes. I have to remind him that a girl needs to talk to her dad sometimes too. He'll secretly call me when my mom isn't home so he won't feel pressured. It's a little said, but kind of cute too.
I enjoyed peering into the window into your beautiful father-daughter relationship.
I am a daddy's girl as well. If mom said no, I always asked dad. To this day, he can't tell me no!
Great post!
Wow, what a sweet post!
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