Thursday, February 8, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday -- Flashback

Last Friday was mom's turn, so yep! today it's all about me and my dad! First of all, I love this picture. I am not one of those people that remembers the little details of their childhood. I remember bits and pieces here and there, and the rest of the story I rely on old pictures to tell. I love this particular picture because of the way my dad is looking at me. As a girl, is their anyone in our lives whose attention and love we desire more than our father's? I think not. Not in my life anyway.
My relationship with my dad is so different than mine with my mom. My mom and I are obvious. We love each other loudly, if you will. We talk on the phone every day, see each other at least twice a week and we basically say whatever we are thinking or feeling and just go with it. Not so with my dad.
Now, my dad is not an emotional guy. Never been one to wear his heart on his sleeve, or be real expressive. More of a "man's man" in that area. But, my dad loves deeply -- I am convinced of this because I feel it. Not because he showers me with words of affection, but because when I need him... HE SHOWS UP. Always has.
In highschool he never missed a game or a track meet. (he was also the loudest guy in the stands). He even danced (on stage) with me when I was in dance club my Senior year..."Come to Papa". Good times -- it is all captured on video! Anyhoo,
After highschool I was busy being a rebellious twenty-something...living on my own for the first time. I remember him just showing up at my apartment, out of the blue, because he "hadn't seen me in 2 weeks" and he was wonderin how I was.
Now that I am all grown up ( I use that term loosely), he is still showing up. Last year we had a health scare with Lily. We were back and forth to the doctor's office, trying to figure out what was wrong with our little girl. It lasted about a week, and one night we drove to the emergency room because we didn't know what else to do. It was late. I was terrified and couldn't stop crying. I had no idea what was going to happen with my baby! And, who showed up?? Yup. dad did. I remember feeling overwhelmed by him at that moment. He didn't say anything much...just wanted to check and see how Lily was. But, I just wanted to cry because at that moment I knew how deep his love for me and my little girl runs.
Taking us to lunch on Sunday afternoons; watching Lily on the occasional Friday night so that Jay and I can get out alone; these are just things that my dad does, cuz he is my dad. He is a great man and I love, respect, and admire him for so many reasons, but mostly because he has always been someone I can count on to be there for me, to support me, to love me in his quiet way and I am so thankful that he just keeps showin' up.

21 comments:

Verna said...

Wow, what a great tribute to your dad. He sounds like a terrific guy.

Beckyb said...

That sounds so much like my dad - they are just there when you need them AND when you don't think you need them - they just know. That was well-put!

Steffie B. said...

Awesome, heart felt post.....I loved it! ;)

Anne Marie said...

What a great post! That sounds an awful lot like my dad. Here's to dads who show up!

dawn said...

If the idea of this post was to start me crying uncontrollably you have succeeded with flying colours, my dear. What a wonderful dad you have. I love mine too with all my heart.

I just have to say I love those side burns!

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

You have made your dad proud lady. He sounds so wonderful. My dad is the same way. We call him Big Daddy as he loves to play that role. He and I are even business partners and have been so for 12 years :)

We are both very lucky indeed!

Gwen Oatsvall said...

silent and strong is a character to be proud of - love the story and i can feel the love you both have for each other. isn't it amazing how we still need our parents at times. thanks for sharing.

comingaroundagain said...

Great post - it's awesome that he's still there for you. My dad passed away in 2004. I've missed him so much this year (each year since he died, but moreso recently, like just today again). I learned so much from my dad and I know how much he loved me - no matter what!

redmaryjanes said...

I love your post. It sounds like your father is wonderful

Ella Meng said...

It's obvious that the father's love is so strong that from the deepest depth of our hearts we know there will be always a person standing by our side supporting us.
And I love my Dad very much!:)

kitchu said...

Wow, what a beautiful tribute to a great man. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Kris

Anonymous said...

What a great way to describe your dad! It is one of the things I love about my dad too!

Beth and Shayna said...

What a wonderful tidbit about your dad and I am all choked up. Dads are just the best men in our lives. They are the first men to love us and it is so important. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.

aimeeg said...

Great post and I love the pic.

Emmie said...

Glad you have a great relationship with both of your parents and they're both always there for you. Love the pic!! <3

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful father you have. Love the picture of you two.

Hugs,
Jonni
www.journeytosofia.com
:)

Pam said...

This made me miss my Daddy and I just saw him yesterday. I don't know what I would do without him.

Michelle said...

28O.K. so you made me cry. He is an amazing guy and you have been truly blessed. I loved Lily laughing. I miss you and so wish that you could come with Jody. Miss you

Anonymous said...

We all love your dad Nik... He's been there for me so many times in my former life too! Again, you are one blessed young woman!

Anonymous said...

Nik,
What can I say? I guess I really don't SAY it alot but I'm glad you can SEE how much I do LOVE you. You can count on me forever,Lily too!!!

Jody said...

He has always been and will always be there for us.Our number one fan- you hit the nail on the head.