Dear Dad,
Happy Father’s Day! We have celebrated this day as Daddy/daughter for 32 years! Can you believe that?!
As the years pass and I get older (and you wiser!), my appreciation for you grows immensely. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, learn something from you, use a skill you taught me or need you for something. I cannot count the times in one single day that I am reminded of, and then grateful for, my Daddy.
So, in honour of today and you being so amazing and wise, here is a list of things I have learned from you that I carry with me in every moment of my life.
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
-Clarence Budington Kelland
6 Things I Learned from My Daddy
Be BRAVE – in every moment, be brave. Step forward not backward and don’t be afraid. You taught me that fear will always be there, but I will always be stronger. Because of you, I try my best every day to walk right into it knowing I am strong and just in case, you have always got my back.
Be MYSELF – and fiercely so. In every single way. Take up as much space as I want and own who I am. Do it respectfully and with grace, but do not shrink down for others. You show me every day that who I am is perfectly fine- big, loud and otherwise.
Be HUMBLE – and kind. Help others, everyone, without expecting in return. You have taught me that I have knowledge and skills that can help other people and I best put those gifts to use. You have shown me to do this in a way that is helpful yet not boastful. You are incredibly talented Daddy and I am grateful to have inherited some of your finest traits.
CONTRIBUTE – always and in all ways. Earn my keep, take care of others and pay it forward. Do not rely on others to do all the work and be a team player. Get in the game no matter what, do not sit on the sidelines. Because of you, I have never missed a game.
Work HARD – and smart. I know because of you that I can do anything as long as I put the time in. My dedication, work ethic and tenacity are some of my greatest assets, and I am thankful to have witnessed these at play in you my entire life. I don’t know anyone who works as hard as you Dad.
Give it 100% – no matter what. Show up for life even when I don’t feel like it. Do not take a day off living, life is too damn short. You have taught me to keep my eye on my purpose and chase it every minute of every day and because of you, I do my best to live every day to the fullest. I live an incredibly full and blessed life because of this, and I owe that to you.
7, 8, 9…. I could go on and on and on but I’ll stop here and save the rest for in person. For now, for today, please know that I am who I am because you are my Dad and I would never, ever, ever, have it any other way.
I thank you for every sacrifice, every decision, every argument, every meal, every ounce of energy that you pour into me and my life, on a daily basis. There are simply no words to express this level of gratitude, but I gave it my best go (see bullet point #6).
I could not be more grateful for you and feel beyond blessed to be your daughter. Thank you for choosing me.
Wishing you the most incredible day, and love you more than words can say.
Happy Daddy’s Day! I love you.
Your girl,
Cher
