Daddy's Girl

Happy Birthday Daddy! 

I'm not a hugely sentimental person, but there are few people who mean absolutely everything to me, one of which being my dad.  My dad is that movie dad, who everyone wishes they had.  He coached me all the way through basketball and softball.  He cheered me on at my swim meets, attended every single one of my band concerts, and grudgingly judged at speech and debate tournaments for me.

My dad taught me how to throw and catch a softball, how to mow the lawn, and how to drive a stick shift.  I would be lying if I told you that all of these learning experiences were all enjoyable, that we never disagreed and always had a good time; we didn't.  We are both extremely stubborn, we have insatiable need for the last word, and dislike being wrong.  This led to more than a few long, loud arguments.

He's taught me more than just athletic staples; he's shown me how to be a leader.  I coached my first basketball team when I was 16, all thanks to my dad and the role model he was to me.  He has always encouraged me to try out, to take charge, and present my own ideas.  With his help, and others, my friends and I headed the Diocesan Youth Conference in 2011.

Now that I'm 20, in college, and becoming a full-fledged adult little by little, he's been there for me every step of the way.  From frustrating classes, to that heart-stopping moment when I thought I wasn't going to be able to pay off tuition, he's been there.  He's guided me through taxes, the FAFSA, loans, car trouble, and occasional homesickness.

My dad's puns are possibly the worst I've ever heard; they're also the best.  No one can complete with him in my book.  Sitting on the front porch listening to the Cardinals play on the radio, managing another baseball tournament, or chasing the dog around the yard, he is someone who makes me feel safe and loved.  Skiing, playing sports, watching Disney movies, setting boobie traps, and hundreds of other childhood memories would be incomplete with him.

Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you and so am blessed to have you!

Totus tuus,

LeAnn