There’s never enough time in the world to say everything you want to say to the ones you love. Whether you have a lifetime with them or your time is cut short, things will always go unsaid. Everyday actions are especially overlooked and under-appreciated. If my dad was around today, these are 10 things I would thank him for.
1. Thank you for always coming to my cheerleading competitions.
At the time, I’m ashamed to admit that part of me was embarrassed to be one of the only ones on the team with her dad in the audience. As years went on, however, I grew to really appreciate your presence there. Remembering the look of pride and admiration in your eyes is one of my fondest memories.
2. Thank you for slipping me $20 every Friday night when I would go to the mall with friends.
Whenever I wanted some extra cash, you didn’t hesitate to help. The $20 you gave me every time I would go to the mall allowed me to buy way more Abercrombie shirts than I needed.
3. Thank you for taking me to all those concerts.
From Britney Spears, to *NSYNC, to O-Town, you never complained once about paying for and accompanying your teenybopper daughters and their friends to the concerts. You even admitted to having enjoyed the show a few times… Sorry for letting the secret out.
4. Thank you for the teaching me how to drive.
You hated the idea of your baby bear behind the wheel of a car but you still spent hours giving me driving lessons. I hated how you made me wait months after getting my driver’s permit before actually taking me out for drives, but now I appreciate that time you gave me to learn about the responsibilities of driving a car and the simple maintenance of one.
5. Thank you for letting me jump into your arms every day when you would get home from work.
Even after a long day at work, whenever I was home before you, you let me jump right from the stairs into your arms. I know you were tired sometimes and I know that as I got older, and subsequently heavier, it was a little more difficult for you. But based on your smile, I could tell you still loved it as much as I did.
6. Thank you for working overtime so your family could be spoiled.
I don’t know how you worked from 8 am to 9 pm all those times. I get tired after 6 and a half hour long shifts. I know you only worked those shifts so we could enjoy biyearly family vacations and so you could give the best presents.
7. With that said, thank you for also taking time off of work when I was off from school to spend time with me.
You always maintained the perfect balance between work and personal time. You enjoyed your work but nothing was more enjoyable for you than spending time with your daughters. In fact, my last day with you was a day you took off from work because I was home from school. I am forever beyond grateful for that time.
8. Thank you for the constant history lessons.
If it wasn’t for you, I probably would not know half of what I do when it comes to history and, therefore, would not know much about why the world is the way it is. Even though I hated being dragged to docked ships and submarines while on vacation, learning about the history gave me knowledge of their significance and an appreciation for all the sacrifices made.
9. Thank you for taking the long way home sometimes.
Like you, I loved the quiet of a long drive. Some of my favorite talks took place during those drives. I especially loved when you would play The Beatles and tell me the meanings behind every song. Still, whenever I’m having a hard time, I listen to them and am instantly brought back to those drives.
10. Thank you for being the best dad you could be.
Your gentle nature combined with a touch of sternness, your silliness mixed with seriousness, and your unwavering support continue to prove to be the all the love a daughter could need from her father.
