Dear Harper Noel,
Today is Father's Day! It's the day of the year where we celebrate fathers in all their forms- dads, uncles, brothers, religious leaders, grandfathers- anyone who influences you and inspires you.
I want to tell you about my dad, your papa.
We have a very special bond. There's something about a relationship between a father and his daughter that can be really beautiful. Not everyone is as lucky as I am, but my dad has always and does make efforts to be a positive, strong, influence in my life. He is my role model, my protector, my inspiration, and my friend.
Growing up he gave me confidence, encouragement, support, and guidance. As a kid he worked hard to make sure your uncle and I never went without. We always had provision. We always knew where our next meal was coming from and that we'd have shoes to wear to school.
My dad was more than that, though. He always encouraged me to reach my full potential. He always would tell me I was meant for great things and he would encourage me to do everything I could to become the best person I could become. He taught me the importance of education and career, but also the importance of family.
The best thing he taught me was in how I watched him treat my mom. He loves her unconditionally. He finds joy in things that bring her happiness and sadness in things that make her weep. He tells her she's beautiful. He tells her he loves her. He laughs with her and makes her laugh. He's always been in love with her, and after nearly 30 years of marriage he's still in love with her. The way he looks at her says it all- he respects her, honors her, and cherishes her.
Just like he does for me. Just like he'll do for you.
I remember precious moments of sitting on my dad's lap, head in his chest. I remember father-daughter dances- he would always take me out for ice cream after and it would always get all over my face. I remember when he would come home from deployments and would embrace my brother and me in his arms. He always brought gifts. And when he was away he always sent some to remind us he was thinking of us. I still have the stuffed camel and alligator he brought back from Australia. Even though these are just "things" they remind me of his love for us.
I think about the day I will see him hold you. The day I watch you climb into his lap and ask him to braid your hair. The day he will hold your hand as you lead him to the playroom for a tea party. The day he dances with you at your wedding. I think about the way he already loves you and it makes my heart warm. I couldn't pick a better father for myself, and I could never pick a better papa for my little girl.
One thing I love about your daddy is that he is, in so many ways, just like your papa. The first time he told me that he loved me I saw him look at me the way my dad looks at my mom. I see in Daddy the same patience, love, respect, and sacrifice that I grew up with. I find the same encouragement and support to be all I can be, the same encouragement to see my dreams come true. I see the same faith for a Father in heaven and the same love for a Savior. I find the same eagerness to learn about Him, to pray, to seek Him, to follow Him.
Your Daddy is a special man.
He sacrifices unceasingly and without complaint or second thought.
He loves unconditionally.
He is intelligent and wise.
He prays for you already and sings you lullabies and tells you stories.
He is perfect for me in every way.
He is passionate, yet helps create peace in difficult times.
I am so eager to see you build the same memories with your daddy that I have built with mine. I can't wait for the day that he will teach you how to pray. The day that he will teach you how to ride a bike and throw a football. I can imagine him holding you if you are sad, scared, or sick...or just because he wants to be close to you. I can see him kissing you, hugging you, and taking you on special daddy-daughter dates. I look forward to the day that he will dance with you at your wedding. Your papa actually said at Mommy and Daddy's wedding that he hoped we had you one day, so that Daddy would know how it feels to dance with your daughter at her wedding.
There are so many things to look forward to with both of these men. I can't wait for them to see you, to hold you, to fall in love with you. I know with them in your life you will always be encouraged, protected and provided for.
I love you. Your meemaw, papa, and Daddy love you. We can't wait to see you and to hold you.
All my love,
Mommy
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