i've heard it a million times, "you are your father's daughter."
whether it's a little old lady at church or someone seeing a picture of us standing side by side i am consistently reminded of the similarities my dad and i share. i have to say i think i share more similarities with my father than i do with anyone else in this world. and i've always felt that the best parts of me are things i get or have learned from my dad. some of them i was born with, like my blue eyes and my blond hair. some of them i've acquired, like my love of reading and my appreciation for a good nap with a dog snuggled by my feet. to honor these things, i have decided to make a brief list of what i consider to be some of the greatest "gifts from my father." 1. my skin. i have the pastiest, whitest, least tan skin second only to the albino population and those allergic to the sun. my pink freckly shoulders remind me that my father and i will have beautiful wrinkle-free skin when the other three bronze goddesses in our family sit regretting all of their trips to the tanning bed. at least this is what i tell myself when i look like casper the friendly ghost in family photos and start to feel sorry for myself. 2. my sense of humor. when i was in college i found that my really great friends started off as people who laughed at the same things i did. my dad and i have always cracked up at the same parts in movies, tv shows, youtube videos, and books. there are few things better than knowing that when i see something truly funny my dad will be right there laughing along with me. 3. his love for my mom. when i was growing up i never once questioned my parents' respect or affection for one another. i remember how my sisters and i would squeal and cover our eyes whenever my dad laid a smooch on my mom. a small act to show his love for her. you could see then, and still today how much he truly cherishes his wife. his helpfulness, patience, kindness, and devotion to my mother is one of the most profoundly beautiful gifts he has given to me and to my family. i love people better because of the way you have loved me and the people i care about. 4. my sisters. i know mom had a big hand in this too but since men determine the gender i want to specifically thank you for em and marge. my sisters are filled with beauty that radiates all around and intellect that continues to dazzle me every day. they are witty, clever, and as much a part of me as you and mom are. i'm forever thankful for the gift of my siblings. 5. my work ethic. my father is the energizer bunny's steroid-enhanced-second-uncle-once-removed. he tirelessly works to better our family, our church, and our world. he taught me to hold myself accountable and strive for excellence even when no one else seems to give a hoot. i found that what kept me at school on those late afternoons that turned into evenings was my father's voice in my head saying, "do your best. get it done." 6. the LITTLE bit of country in me. let me be clear: i am a city girl. i like my coffee iced with a donut and my nails red with a bag from nordstrom in my hand. BUT...thanks to my father i can say i also enjoy my beer cheap and cold and my music twangy with a side of sass. i like that i can be many things. i can be girly and strong. sensitive but sensible. christian but with a few curse words every now and then. i can be anything. my dad taught me that. today i salute you, doug. with your absurdly loud sneezes and your perpetually pale feet. i am honored to be your daughter and privileged to be loved by you. i am, and always will be, your daughter. and i'm so very thankful for that. i love you. xo, lola
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