My dad never hugged me, or said I love you. He had his own ways of telling me that he cared. He was always very interested in my life when I was a kid. He coached my softball and t-ball teams, he practiced with us in the backyard all the time, and he came to every sporting event to cheer us on. I was in the color guard for Moon, and he came to every single football game, home or away. He used to lug all the girl's equipment from the field to the bus for us, and he even drove to the away games the night before to map out a route for the bus drivers to follow the next night so we wouldn't get lost.
I have great memories of my dad as a kid. He taught me to swim, he taught me to ride my bike, he even taught me to drive. And he did a great job, because to this day I have never got a ticket or have been in an accident! He helped me find my first job, going to each place to help me hand in my applications. He always had good advice for me too! "Never quit a job until you have another one (LOL)". He used to take me to my horseback riding lessons too! Every Saturday he would drive me to them to watch me jump fences on a massive horse that I was scared of. He watched as I would fall off, and get back on. He might not have known it, but having him there watching me gave me more courage, it made me want to try harder.
I am older now and I have a family of my own. But when asked if he would like to come over and visit or to hang out with Gracie, or if I ask him for help around the house with something that Mike has no idea how to do, I see his face light up at the chance to help me again. I know that he is proud of me and what I have accomplished in my life, and I know that he loves me. He may not say it, but actions speak louder than words.
I may not say it enough either, but Thank you dad for everything you have done for me, and I love you too.
Happy Father's Day.
Christine
