Happy Daddy's Day!

Today was Father's Day. My first without my daddy. As I sit here crying and feeling sorry for myself, I decide to quit thinking of the future Father's Days in my life and to reflect back on the past and all the wonderful times I have spent with Daddy.

After Daddy died, we were looking through photos for the funeral services. We found cards and letters that the 3 of us have given to dad on past Father's Days. Isn't it so awesome that he treasured those little love notes enough to keep them for years? I actually found a card from me that I gave him around 5-6 years ago inside his truck...a truck that he has had for less time than that. Inside that card there was a letter from me...one that I had written years before, so long ago that there was a crayon drawing one it. Isn't it amazing that the words of a little girl can go on to touch her daddy's heart years and years after she wrote them? As I think of that, I realize that the words he spoke to me will go on for years and years. And will continue to touch my heart and make me feel loved for years and years to come. I find myself using his words and his phrases with Grace. I wonder in she will repeat them to her children.

I would always tell daddy, "Happy Daddy's Day!" The way I think is that anyone can be a father, but not just anyone can be a daddy. It takes a special kind of man to be a daddy. And, Mike Whatley fit that description. He was more than just my biological parent, he was my daddy.

He played with me and had imaginary tea parties with me. He went roller skating with me and helped me to learn to ride a bike. He rescued me from a couple of mean dogs, then later rescued me from my own mistakes. He took us hunting for the perfect Christmas tree, then sat next to it while telling us the true meaning of Christmas. He checked in on me in the middle of the night and spent time praying over me. He took me on motorcycle rides and dates to the local Dairy Queen, where we would spend literally hours just talking. He was at my high school graduation, then at my college. He walked me down the aisle and preformed my wedding. He was there for the birth of my first child and watched over her while I worked. He took me on walks as a child, then later took my baby for walks. He would take me onto his lap every time I wanted to sit there and make me laugh when I needed a smile. He worried over me and prayed over me and loved me all of my life. He spoke to me with love and pride and always made me feel that love and that pride. It feels so strange not to have him at home, calling me for no reason just to see how his baby is doing. It feels so strange that he is not somewhere saying a prayer over me and my family. It feels so strange that I can't hear his voice saying, "I love you, baby."

I just looked at the clock and Father's Day 2007 is officially over. I am so glad and so very sad.

Happy Daddy's Day, Daddy. I love you.