I am, and have always been, a
Daddy’s girl – a football throwing, track running, baseball smacking, "rather hang out with Daddy than go shopping with Mama" Daddy’s
girl. My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003, and passed away November,
2007. He served in the U.S. Army long before I was thought of, and saw action
during the Korean War. Not one day goes by that I don’t think of him, miss him,
and smile with gratitude for knowing him. Times like this, I am not only grateful for
what he taught me, but for what he did for all of us by serving in the
Military. Military service is a sacrifice, and we should never forget that
because of the sacrifices of others, we are allowed to live in relative peace, unaffected
by war-ravaged streets, blood-shed, and constant fear for our lives.
This Memorial Day, I’m
remembering the many times my Dad saved me from yet another shopping trip with
my Mom and sister, the many times he allowed me to wear jeans and tennis shoes
to school when my Mom laid out dresses for me, the many times he smiled
indulgently to soften my Mom’s frowns when I ran in scarred and dirty from
street football or backyard dodge ball, and the many times he told me how
beautiful and smart I was until I believed him.
This same man who taught me to throw a football against my Mom's permission, sat proudly and patiently while I sang and practiced piano, and taught me to love and appreciate jazz music. He laid an unshakeable
foundation so that no matter what happened with other men in my life, I knew
that I was worthy of love and respect. Every girl needs one. Every woman needs
to know the love of a good father. My Dad even talked to my x-husbands and patiently instructed them on how to "get along" with me, admitting that I could be "difficult" at times. Unfortunately, they had other ideas - that's why they're called "x's" :-D
I miss my Dad, but he will
never really be gone from my life. His influence will always be with me. In
fact, every hero in my stories, though each one is different, is patterned after some endearing
characteristic of my Dad. This Memorial Day, say a special prayer of thanks for all of
the brave souls who gave their lives to keep us safe, and a prayer of thanks and protection for all of those who
are still with us, and if you can do something to make their lives easier and
brighter, don’t hesitate to do it while you can. Have a glorious, blessed
Memorial Day.
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