My Dad

My dad is the greatest. Because it's his birthday (in two days), I wanted to share some thoughts about him. Reading the book "Why a daughter Needs a Dad" reminded me of just how much I love him.

A daughter needs a dad to learn that when he says it will be okay soon, it will. My dad always put things in perspective for me.

A daughter needs a dad who will make sacrifices so she will not have to sacrifice. I can't even begin to describe the sacrifices my dad made on my behalf. He is one of the most unselfish people I have ever known.

A daughter needs a dad to teach her that her value as a person is more than the way she looks. My dad always focused on brains. I did well in school because of him. He made me wonder about the world and was NEVER too busy to engage in serious talks about everything from boys to God.

A daughter needs a dad who will never think she is too old to need him. I can't let a week go by without talking to my dad. Sometimes I have nothing to say, but I just need to hear his voice.

A daughter needs a dad to make the family whole and complete. This could not be more true in my family's situation.

A daughter needs a dad to be the standard against which she will judge all men. I measured every boy I dated to my dad. Dave is the only one that made the cut. :)

A daughter needs a dad who will influence her life even when he isn't with her. My dad influences my life every day.

A daughter needs a dad to tuck her in at night. My dad is the reason I love books. He read until we fell asleep. But he not only read to us, I have memories of crying because my legs hurt so bad from growing pains, and he would sit with me until it didn't hurt anymore.

A daughter needs a dad to protect her when she is not wise enough to protect herself. Dixie College, enough said.

A daughter needs a dad to help her take the risks that will build her confidence. From sports, to college, to marriage, he helped me weigh the risks, and then go for it.

A daughter needs a dad to teach her that a man's strength is not the force of his hand or his voice, but the kindness of his heart. My dad didn't have to say much, I always knew if he would be disappointed, and I never wanted to let him down.

A daughter needs a dad to help her try again whenever she fails. From high school cheerleader failure, to succeeding at college dance team...I dared try again.

A daughter needs a dad to give her the gentle pushes that help her grow. He even coached softball, just so I'd give it a try.

A daughter needs a dad to show her how to fix things for herself. I am independent and can fix anything, from crazy emotions to a broken toy...not to mention small repairs around the house, because of my dad.

A daughter needs a dad because without him she will have less in her life than she deserves.

Thanks Dad! Happy Dir-Bay, Leprechaun, Easter, Christmas!