Since Father's Day is this weekend I thought I would pay tribute to my dad. As I have mentioned before, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when I was around 13 and passed away when I was 14. Our time was definitely cut short. Although I was a mommy's girl at heart, I have a lot of great memories of spending time with my dad. Yes it is true that I was worse than your typical teenage girl and my dad was the one who enforced the rules in the house, which lead to a few arguments here and there. However, looking back I have a lot of respect for him being so strict because he was only looking out for me.
My dad was always my number one fan. He was a very kind, very loving and very loyal person. I remember him as a big teddy bear. He cared for his family with all of his being.
I always enjoy the stories his friend's tell me about what kind of person he was. Since I was young when he passed away we never got to that phase of a father-daughter relationship where I actually became friends with my father. Yes I loved him because he was my dad, but I feel like a lot of who I am today is due to the way he raised me and the morals that he instilled in me and I would have loved to have been able to have that kind of relationship with my father where we were truly friends. The kind of relationship I now have with my mother.
Some of my fondest memories are of my dad being very involved in activities I was in. He came to every one of my softball games, giving me support when I needed it and yelling at the umpire when he thought the calls were unfair (no, he wasn't THAT parent, more of just a ball buster). I remember everyone telling me what a great guy my dad was from teammates to coaches to other team parents. I was always so proud to have him around.
Every year my family would go on motorhome trips. I remember my dad driving the motorhome and then once we got to our destination setting up camp and then taking my sister and I fishing or "bear hunting" (not really, but we liked to pretend) around the campsite. I am so glad to have such great memories.
I know that if my dad were here today we would be close. I know that he would be proud of the woman he raised and the success I have accomplished. And I am happy to say that I strive to be a better person because I know that he is looking down on me.
8 comments:
Aw, what a sweet post! I got a little teary-eyed! I know he would be beyond proud of you! I'll be thinking of him and you on Sunday! :)
Have a wonderful day, Jamie!
Um, that was really really sweet and it made me cry. The part about how you never got to that friend stage with him really got me because I "hated" or so I thought, My dad until I was 17 going on 18 my sr. year of high school. I was a tough teen to handle in the early teen years. I know your dad is proud of you and smiling down! :)
this was so so sweet! <3
Thank goodness your dad was strict! I was the softee! Yes, dad is smiling as he looks down on the lady you have become and he is SO proud to have influenced you!
Thanks for recognizing him. mom
I wish I had a daddy:( Mine died when I was 5....urs looked like an amazing one:) xoxo
Aw such a sweet post, I love all the dad posts this weekend!
You definitely brought a tear to my eye with your post about about your dad. I know your dad would be more than proud of the woman that you have become!
Aww what a thoughtful post about your dad, glad that he was such an influence in your life and you are right, he's overlooking you now! :)
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