My Dad

What does a daughter learn from her dad?

that sawdust smells great

and walking into Lowe's brings a feeling of comfort

if half of her work isn't finished by 10 AM she's wasted her day

that he'll never understand some of us aren't morning people

waking up to "You Are My Sunshine" made it bearable

piglets are a pet to only dream about

her destructive childhood dog could stay because he didn't want to break her heart

a quiet drive and an ice cream cone can fix most anything

guys who break up with her aren't good enough anyway

accidents happen; cars are replaceable

how to drive --down Old Swimming Pool road-HELP!

convertibles, flowers and a beautiful evening is a great 'first date' with the best guy ever

putt-putt for birthdays is a great place to be

how to fix-it: sinks, walls, holes, paint...(good thing)

even if green and yellow is ugly (really ugly), he'll still buy the paint for her bedroom

to bring her friends home when they need a second family and mom and him will give them one

college is worth a second, or third, try

that daughters are special

prayer changes everything

to work hard

to marry someone who works hard

to be kind and understanding to that someone when he's working hard (via Mom)

that love covers a multitude of sins

everything he could give to her, he did (and does)

watching your daughter getting married isn't easy on a dad

he loved her first*

becoming a parent is a bridge to both unconditional love and heartbreak

you'll miss your grown children more than you know

(and they'll miss him the same)

great memories with your family will carry you through some really hard times

being a grandpa is wonderful-he'll share their joys and sorrows with her

though time goes by, homes and jobs change, people grow all around, life will pull in every direction possible and still,

he could never out give his love for her

and she just wants him to know that it's true for her too

But I loved her first and I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it's still hard to give her away

I loved her first*

So much of who I am started with you, Dad. Thank you. I love you.

Happy Father's Day~2009