Father's Day

Dear Daddy,

Today is Father's Day, and for the second time I am celebrating this holiday without you. I cannot call you and wish you a happy Father's Day. I have not purchased a gift or a card. I can't wrap you in a hug and tell you how much I love you.

I miss you.

As families around the country celebrate their dads today, I want to celebrate you by remembering all of the things you taught me in the 22 years we were able to spend together.

-You taught me to love the Lord, how to pray, and what a Christ-centered family looks like. Because of this, I know that you are watching me from Heaven and that we will be reunited one day.
-You taught me the value of a dollar and the importance of saving money.
-You showed me how a husband should love a wife and how I should expect to be loved by the man that I choose to marry.
-You taught me to sing loudly, even if you happen to be off key.
-You taught me how to play a sport simply for the love of the game.
-You taught me how to read.
-You showed me how to only use words that have meaning. I don't think I ever heard you swear.
-You taught me how to drive.
-You taught me the value of an education and gave me the gift of starting my adult life debt free by paying for college.
-You taught me how to swallow a pill. :)
-You constantly reminded me that it's not a vegetable if it isn't green, and made sure there was always a vegetable on my plate.
-You taught me to give back and to be thankful for the things that I have.
-You taught me how to ride my bike.
-You taught me how to work hard and always put forth my best effort.
-You taught me how to treat others.

I could list a thousand things that you taught me, Daddy. We didn't always get along, but that's because I'm so much like you. We're both too stubborn. :) But I never doubted your love for me, and I hope you always knew how much I love you.

You're not supposed to have to say goodbye to your dad when you're 22 years old. You should still be here. You should have been at my college graduation. You should be there to walk me down the aisle and dance with me at my wedding. You should be there to hold your first grandchild. But you won't be.

It's been 19 months. 19 months without you. And I'm still waiting for it to hurt less, but I don't know that it ever will. This shows the impression that you made on my life. I live every day with the knowledge that you gave me and I know that I am a better daughter, sister, friend, teacher and person because of you. Thank you.

I love you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day.