~*Daddy's Girl*~

I am blessed to be many things.. I am a friend, niece, best friend, granddaughter, cousin, daughter, and Daddy's Little Girl...

Dad has this uncanny ability to know (almost) exactly what I am thinking, just by looking at me. He knows what I am trying to say, when I don't even know what it is that I am hopelessly trying to communicate to him. He is the only person who can read me like an open book, 24/7. He knows me, he knows my desires, my heart, what makes me excited, what depresses me, and what makes me laugh.

I have always known that when I get home late at night, no matter the time, he will be waiting up for me. Usually camped out on the couch, reading or half-asleep, but awake and waiting nonetheless. He doesn't go back to his room until I am ready to crash in my room for the night.

I know that he will protect me with his life if necessary. He has guarded me physically, emotionally, and spiritually from the time I was first placed in his arms.

I know that he loves to make me laugh. We have a very similar sense of humor.. Last night he was praying with me before bed, and I asked him to hit the lights on his way out... He smirked, turned around, did this cute little walk over to the light fixture on my ceiling, and "hit" it. He then asked me if I would like him to "turn off" my light before he left. A little thing, but it sent me to bed with a smile on my face.

I can also guarantee that I am probably one of the only college students who has done their late night studying to the sound of their father playing "Winnie the Pooh" and "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" on the banjo. Honestly? I am going to miss that a lot when I leave this fall.

Above all this, I know that I can go to him about anything. I can't count the number of times he has waited until everyone else is asleep before coming into my room, plopping down on my bed, and asking me if I need to talk. And talk we have.. From friends, God, family, boys, church, relationships, and countless other topics, we have talked late into the night. His advisement and suggestions are precious to me and don't get thrown out as soon as he offers them.

Dad and I have passed from the phase of a parent telling a child what to do, to a father helping his daughter think through each step and situation as a young adult. His patience and desire to see me succeed in all that I do have taken me far. He has always been honest with me. I know that if I want to hear the truth, I can go to him. I know that if I am struggling with something, I can go to him. I know that if I am lonely or missing him, he will hold me. I know that if I am giddy and happy and want to spill it over on someone, I can go to him and let the words flow.

My Dad is a man with a collection of skills. A plethora of hobbies. A variety of talents. But in my mind? In my mind, he is a man with a huge heart. A heart that first and foremost desires to serve and glorify God, and through that desire a heart that loves, leads, and cherishes his family.

Daddy, I love you!! Those who know me know that, for they have heard me brag on you. For all you have done, for who you are, what you do, and how you lead all of us, thank you. You have given me the best example I could ever want for what it means to be a man who Loves God first and his family second... A man who Loves his wife and children as Christ Loves the church. You have shown me what true Love really is. You really are the best Dad that I could've ever wanted.

And I 'like' really mean that... ;-).