The BEST Father a girl could ask for...

When I was really young, my Dad signed over his parental rights – forfeiting an opportunity to raise me, get to know me and be in my life. This happened at the ripe old age of 3. So, this meant I wouldn’t have a “Father” figure in my life…well at least that is what one would think.

Growing up in a single parent household, I am certain my Mom had tough times. I know at times I wasn’t the easiest to raise. I LOVED to talk, was a little on the hyper side and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED to dance. At home, in the grocery store…anywhere! I was a little ball of ENERGY and Mom put me in different outlets to suck out that energy. Softball, dance, extra cirricular’s at school, etc. She had her hands full! But I am convinced, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if it wasn’t for my Grandfather….well and Grandmother too of course! But today we are talking about Granddad! Sorry Grandmom. J I’ll write one up on you later. I’ll love you forever.

I have such fond memories of my Grandfather growing up. I believe my first sentence ever spoke was to him. I said… “Lap, book, read!” while holding the Sear’s or JCPenney’s catalog. I just wanted in his lap so bad, and wanted him to read to me. At such an early age, how I thirsted for his love.

Or the time when I was young and went and asked Granddad if we could stay for dinner, and he said something to the effect of it being up to Grandmom and Mom and I think I just went to Mom and said…. “Mom, Granddad invited us for dinner!” I would just invite myself over to be around him. If that isn’t true love, I don’t know what is.

I also remember not asking my Mom about my “Dad” until I was at least 10. I had NO idea that Granddad wasn’t it.

Or after high school when I moved in with my Grandparent’s and we would go to dinner every Thursday night after Granddad played his round of golf and I just loved being in his presence. Or him laughing at me in the morning’s when I would ask Grandmom to iron my clothes and if she did I would always promise that I would love her forever. Or waking up early with them, while they were on the patio – drinking coffee and reading the paper. How I admired him and he may not have even known. Or the day he walked me down the aisle, giving me away to my husband. What an honor it was to walk beside him. Or how about that time during my reception when he made me cry! Oh yeah, I will never forget that. See, I never want to imagine my life without him in it, and when he said … “I know I won’t be here to say it, but I want to be the first to wish you Happy 50th!” My heart sank! Because while I am now 29 knockin’ on 30 – I still remember that little girl, tugging at Granddad’s pants, wanting in his lap, and being surrounded by his love. Granddad I hope to be half the mom that you were Granddad to me.

Many people say that they are a Mommy’s Girl or a Daddy’s Girl…I get the VERY SPECIAL privilege of being a Granddaddy’s Girl.

Happy Father's Day Granddad.