Forever in Wonderland: Dad's Day

Happy Father’s Day to all the daddies out there! And an extra special happy father’s day to my wonderful father—I love you so much Dad!

I’m so very blessed to have an incredible father who’s loved me unconditionally since the moment I was born. He’s been there for me through thick and thin, and inspires me every single day to live life with positivity, kindness, determination, and love.

So dear readers, forgive me as—for a moment—I reminisce on some of my fondest memories and get a little (or a lot) sappy.

Some of the first memories I have with my father take place at my grandparent’s cottage overlooking the Potomac River in Virginia. My family would visit at least once a month (I was born in VA and lived there for about 8 years), and my dad would bring his boat up so that he could ski. I remember watching him from the back of the boat, ooing and aahing as he sliced across the water on a single ski. I was mesmerized. I remember taking long walks down the beach, hopping over barnacle-encrusted jetties and collecting shark’s teeth with he and my mother. And I remember building pterodactyl nests out of pine needles on the porch. We would lie in the prickly brown needles, cawing and laughing until dusk, when the bats would come out, swooping and careening over our heads.

As I got older, I remember how my dad taught me to ride a bike (it involved me falling down repeatedly and a lot of patience on his part). I remember taking long hikes in the woods behind our house and the time we found a beaver’s dam blocking the stream.

I’ll never forget how in high school, at every single track and cross-country race I ever ran, my dad would cheer me on. I tuned out everything when I ran, but somehow I could always hear his voice. I listened for him and him alone. It was his encouragement that fueled me forward, and I could always count on him to be waiting at the finish line with a massive bottle of water and a hug.

When I left for college I remember watching my dad tear up for the first time ever. Consequently I bawled my eyes out. Through all the ups and downs of university life, I knew my dad would be there when things got tough. He was my rock, and I never doubted that, should I call, he would immediately drive up to Oklahoma and make things better.

When I graduated, I remember how proud he was. And how, once more, his eyes got cloudy with tears and we smiled for picture after picture, relishing the moment.

I could go on and on—the wonderful memories I have of my father are endless. He’s the man who taught me to dream big—to believe unequivocally that I could and can do anything. He taught me that I’m stronger than I think I am, and that I can overcome any obstacle. His love and support are the reason I was able to attend an amazing university, and his optimism and faith inspire me daily to live life to its fullest.

So Dad, if you’re reading this, I know we’ve had our disagreements lately and I know you worry about your wayward, hot-mess of a daughter. But if I’m sure of one thing, it’s that you raised me to be a dreamer, to be a go-getter, and to embrace life wholeheartedly. If I’m even half of the person you are, then I know that I’m going to be okay. I may be moving across the country but I’ll forever and always be your little girl. I want to make you proud and I’m going to do just that. I love you so much Dad.

XOXO