daddy.

I’d like to thank you for teaching me rhythm, and how to clap my hands. I can’t remember a day passing that you didn’t clap about something, either with a song that might be playing or from the sheer joy you derived from life.

And everything you ever did, you did well. Without actually saying the words, you said, “I will do this with everything I am capable of, and I will take pride in it.”

Thank you for teaching me how to read a book without creasing the cover, keeping it in pristine condition.

Also- for teaching me how to: “strategically” pack a hundred suitcases into a trunk, detail a car, throw a curveball, polish a guitar, understand every player’s position in a football game, and fix any illness with your go-to solution- “drink orange juice.”

Thank you, too, for all of those millions of lead-by-example moments that I was never aware of until now. You were a hard worker. You were humble. You were passionate about worship and understanding the Bible.

And thank you for being who God made you to be. With your happy little kid laugh, your crisp communication style, your eloquence, your humor, and your genuine love for people.

I think if I could have said anything to you before you left this earth, I would have said, “Thank you for your patience with me.” I know I have been a stubborn daughter and I regret not always listening to your wisdom & advice, but somehow you had all the confidence in the world in me. Somehow you didn’t see me as an acorn- you saw me as a big, strong oak tree.

In the weeks before you died, I remember I called you and told you that you were a great Dad. I cried and you chuckled on the other end of the line and said, “Thanks, kiddo.”

Thousands of memories collect in my brain and brim over, I am grateful for each one. Grateful that I had the time with you that I did. Grateful that I will see you again.

Yes, I would definitely have said, “Thank you for your patience.” And I think I also would have wanted to say… “I will do my best to make you proud.”

I will try to make you proud.