Happy Early Father's Day

Sometimes holidays just don't work in your favor. This has been my first Spring and Summer back on the East Coast since 2009. Every Summer during college, I spent away on the road, traveling for dance so every Memorial Day Weekend and 4th of July were spent in places such as Wisconsin and Baltimore. Needless to say, I was really looking forward to being home with family and friends this year to catch up on all the memories I had been missing out on.

As many of you know, my mom was not here to spend Mother's Day with us. And now, this Father's Day... I'll be on the road yet again for work. Sigh. While, I was able to visit my Mom's grave on Mother's Day, and my Dad has been so understanding that I'll be traveling for work this year on his special day, it still makes me a bit sad to think about. We never know how much time we have here on Earth and making every second count is so important to me.

So, Dad - this is for you:

Thanks for always, always having my best interest in mind

Thanks for all the tools you gave me to live a successful life

Thanks for allowing me to go out on my own

Thanks for letting me make mistakes, even when you knew I was making the wrong choice

Thanks for all the wonderful trips and vacations that allowed me to see the world

Thanks for making me learn lessons the hard way
Thanks for being so smart and being so willing to help with school growing up

Thanks for the endless opportunities you gave me to dance and act and discover how much the Arts mean to me
Thanks for being patient and explaining everything to me whenever I was scared

Thanks for always being such a responsible example to us
Thanks for always believing in me
Thanks for showing me what unconditional love really is

My Dad has shown me what it means to be a father and husband. He has supported all of our dreams and goals and been there when we’ve fallen. From scraped knees to broken hearts, he’s been there for me. I hope one day I will find a husband who will be there for me too and who will be all the things for our children that my dad was for me. Looking back, the moments we shared as he walked me down the aisle are frozen in time. That's a moment every little girl dreams of. I can imagine it's not easy to give your daughter away. I know my Dad is happy to have me back again. Hopefully one day, we'll be able to share those moments down the aisle again. And it will be a time we can look back on with happiness forever.

For now, Dad... I just want you to know how grateful I am for you. You have taught me so much. You are one of a kind. A true man.

Happy Father’s Day, Daddio! I can't wait to celebrate with you once I get back into town.