Fathers Day

The Strongest Man I Know

I remember dancing around in circles as my dad played his guitar, standing on his feet as we danced together, the way he would whistle when he cooked and put lots of love into his meals (even if sometimes he made it up as he went along).... In my eyes there was no Daddy stronger than my daddy.

I remember growing up, as a teenager trying to gain more independence it was harder for him to relate to me and understand the thought of letting go of his little girl. I was making mistakes, wearing strange outfits and his worst nightmare boys were on my mind. But he loved me despite the disapointments, despite the hairspray and as for the boys....he was still the most important guy in my life.

I remember having my son, he was there too...back and forth to the hospital as I was throwing up and in pain. I could see him trying to be strong, trying to be brave for me, but by the tenth cigeratte I could tell that this was hurting him too. As the moments got closer to the birth of his first grandson I cried in pain as my mom held my hand and my Dad as strong and brave as he is just could not watch his little girl hurting. Still I could feel his strentgh and love and knew he was always a few steps away.

I remember now not just Dad but now PaPa to a beautiful little boy...he would sing with his guitar as my boy played instruments along with him it was the best concert I have ever been to! He would make good meals again full of love and whistle while he cooked. They would take walks together and come back with rocks, sticks, and of course the biggest ice cream all over my babys face. Now not only the greastest dad but now the grestest Papa!

I remember him walking me down the isle on my wedding day (i know a bit out of order but God sent the baby early). He took a deep breath before we walked down the path and as we came to a crossway he whispered "it not too late we can go the other way". We smiled and I began to cry we walked down the isle and he gave me away. This time we danced and I was not standing on his feet.

Now my Dad is a bit older and some days he doesnt have the words to express just what he wants to say. He walks a bit slower, he doesnt sing like he used too, and we havent danced together in years. Still in my eyes my Dad can do no wrong. I even here my voice get just a little softer when I speak to him and I know no matter what he will always be the strongest man I know.