To the Very First Love of My Life

Daddy,
It stinks to have a birthday and Father's Day at the same time every year. You often get combined gifts and get recognized for two different things on the same day. You're lucky this year...at least it falls on two different Sundays! I am writing just one recognition but it does not lessen the fact that I celebrate you as you and you as my dad. I have been extremely blessed by both!

My very first memory is of you picking me up from daycare. I must have been 3 or 4 at the time. I remember standing on the seat next to you in the car. That was way before car seats or seat belts! I don't remember what we were doing or what we talked about. I just remember being excited to see you and feeling special to be yours. As much as I love my mother, I've always seen myself as a "Daddy's Girl." I remember that the first flowers I ever received were from you. A dozen red roses for making the cheerleading squad. They were delivered to my school. I remember you driving over for our football games and advising me that we needed to learn the game a little since we were often cheering when the other team had the ball!

I did not have the privilege of growing up in your house. But, I have always known beyond a shadow of a doubt that your were my biggest fan, my cheerleader, my confidant,... a safe place to land. Our relationship has evolved over the past 37 (ouch! I am getting old!) years and I have never enjoyed it as much as I do now. You are one of my best friends and the first one I turn to when I need wise counsel, a laugh or a shoulder to cry on. You are a big part of who I am today.

One of my favorite songs is "I'll Always be Your Baby" by Natalie Grant. It expresses exactly what I want to say. I'll close with the lyrics.

You were my first love
Always there for me
You taught me how me to walk and how to dream
God gave me your eyes
But it was you who showed me how to see
Now I can stand on my own
But I know you'll never let go

I'll always be your baby
No matter how the years fly by
The way you loved me
Made me who I am in this world
I'm a woman now
Not a little girl
Wherever this life takes me
I'll always be your baby

You are my hero
And that will never change
You still can dry my tears with just your smile
The one I've leaned on
From my first steps
To walking down the aisle
Now there's another man in my life
But I know by the look in your eyes

I'll always be your baby
No matter how the years fly by
The way you loved me
Made me who I am in this world
I'm a woman now
Not a little girl
Wherever this life takes me
I'll always be your baby

Your faith, your love and all that you believe
Have come to be the strongest part of me

And I will always be your baby
No matter how the years fly by
The way you loved me
Made me who I am in this world
I'm a woman now
Not a little girl
Wherever this life takes me
I'll always be your baby
Daddy, you mean the world to me. I hope you have a very Happy Birthday and a Happy's Father's Day!

I love you!
Buffie