dear dad

There’s this song that I keep hearing recently on the radio. I’m sure the artist intended for it to be dedicated to some significant other. However, when Charlie Puth ("One Call Away" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxuY9FET9Y4) sings some of the lyrics, my mind immediately goes to my father. Now, before I begin this, let me just give a quick shout-out to my mother and brother. YOU GUYS ROCK, YOU’RE MY BEST FRIENDS, and I LOVE YOU. But I’m going to shine the spotlight on Dave for a little bit!

It has taken me two relationships to realize that my father is a very big blessing from my heavenly Father. My dad loves me and supports me unconditionally. I have disrespected him and  have been quiet with him, and yet he has still opened his arms when I run back to him. My dad is an amazing reflection of God’s love.  Future husband, if you indeed do exist, you will of course become the man that I love and cherish all the days of my life. But, I’m going to need you to remember that my father will always be the first man that I loved and will always cherish.

When I hear Charlie (I’ve decided he won’t mind that I’ve assumed we can be on a first name basis even though we’ve never met and he has no clue that I exist) sing “I’m only one call away, I’ll be there to save the day. Superman got nothing on me, I’m only one call away,” I immediately think of my father. There’s going to be a guy in my life that will sweep me off my feet, but my loving, greater than Superman dad will always be there to pick me up. It’s okay that I’m 2 hours away, because he is always one call away. He is always ready to be there for me.

“And when you’re weak, I’ll be strong……..and when you feel like hope is gone, just run into my arms.” During this depression and highly stressful stage, my father decided to send me daily texts for a week that read “Kelsey is awesome” or “Kelsey is beautiful” and “Kelsey is smart.” My God blessed me with a father that lifts me up, that reminds me of my glow when I feel a little dull. I can’t help but grin and think of my dad when I hear Charlie sing this song because it’s a song of genuine love, letting that person know that no matter what, I’m going to be right here to catch you and help you through things. That’s my dad. So, without further ado…..

Dear Dad: Let me begin with an apology. I am so very sorry I let boys get in the way of my relationship with my father. I was so busy seeking love and acceptance that I completely forgot about the amazing love and acceptance I already receive from the only man in my life that has been there for me since I came into this world (Blake too, but he gave me a black eye for tickling him so that should speak for itself).  Dad, you set the standard so high for the possibly existing future husband in my life. Thank you for being an amazing father and for showing me what I deserve. Thank you for constantly reminding me of my worth through text messages, hugs, and compliments. Thank you for making me laugh and for the forehead kisses I get when you leave for a business trip. Thank you for being a Godly man. Thank you for being patient when I lose my way and for loving me through everything. And thank you for forgiving me when I accidentally stabbed your face with a stick that had been in the fire. I blame my mother for the pyromaniac-like activity. Thank you for sharing music with me and for giving me your bag of  yogurt pretzels because you know they’re my favorite. Thank you for helping me carry my things when I’m packing to head back to college or running out in the rain with an umbrella when I pull into the driveway in a downpour. Thank you for somehow magically turning my favorite shirt back to the champagne color it’s supposed to be when I accidentally turned it blue. You’re my best friend, too, you know that? You’re the main man I can count on. I love you!

God blessed me with an amazing father. The realization has hit me multiple times this year and the topic lay heavy on my heart Sunday while in church.  Dads are gifts from Heaven. Don’t you forget it, fellow daughters..  Dads are the men that will “be the standard against which you will judge all men.” And my dad sets a pretty high standard. Love your dad. Respect your dad. God has blessed you with a man that teaches you of His glory, teaches you to love, and teaches you that you are so beautiful and worth very much.  “The sacred title of father is shared with the Almighty.”

Thank you, God, for blessing me with such an amazing father. Thank you for blessing me with a father that leads me to You. I love you, Dad.