For my Dad…
I know we haven’t had the kind of relationship where we have memories of me dancing on your shoes in the kitchen. I’m pretty sure that was the Hallmark channel. But what we do have are some pretty great memories nonetheless. Times haven’t always been easy, but we weathered a lot of storms and are still trying to figure things out even today. I’m assuming that’s just life. I’m not looking for a fairytale, I just need you to be the dad you’ve always been, the one who loves me as much as I love you.
I remember when you were there pushing me on my bicycle to see if I could ride it on my own. And I did. I remember when you were there pushing me to do my best in school so that I could get into a good college. And I did. I remember when you were there pushing me do my best in college so I could get into a good grad school and get a good job. And I did. I remember when you there pushing me to get closer to God. And I did. I remember when you were there pushing me to find a good husband. And I did. I remember when you were there pushing me to be a good mother so that I could have a happy child and and a happy life. And I did. Still do.
You might not think you did all of those things, but I remember. You taught me to never give up. You taught me to work hard. You taught me to have faith. You see, you might not have ever really realized just how much I love you. I probably don’t call you enough or see you enough, but I’m still trying to remember if I’ve brushed my teeth for the day, so I hope you can forgive me. Living with a toddler is no joke, and I have no clue how you survived those years with me or the sister. But I need you to know something, Dad. I need you to know that I’ve appreciated every single thing you’ve done for me and love you for it. I even appreciate all the things that you didn’t do for me so that I could figure it out on my own.
I’m thankful for you always working so hard so that I could have a good life, even if that meant you having to miss out on some things because you were working two jobs. I’m thankful that you never gave up on providing for me or our family. I’m thankful that you always were the dad who took care of me, who never let me ride around with an empty gas tank or miss an oil change. I’m even thankful for you trying to get me to love the Cowboys and the Yankees. I mean, I guess I sort of do.
And Dad, I need you to know something else. I need you to know that I forgive you. I forgive you for us not having a “perfect” life. Newsflash: there is no such thing as perfect. I know there is nothing but good in your heart. We all make mistakes in life. And I hope you forgive me for mine. I know we’re still trying to figure out what life means after “the divorce” between you and Mom, but we’re getting there. I need you to know that I still need you today as much as I did when I was that little girl riding that bicycle. Even though I’m grown with my own family now, I still need you. All families look differently. Ours is unique, that is for sure. But I am so thankful that you’re still here. I am so very thankful for that.
Life’s short, Dad. I think we both know that. I need you to know that I love you and am so grateful for you being the most perfectly imperfect dad. I know there will be many more memories ahead of us as much as there are behind us. God’s an awesome God, Dad. And He makes all things new. Let’s give thanks for that.
Thanks for reading, sisters (and a few of you men out there)! Every now and then I just need to spill my heart, you know? Now go and call your dad or whoever you have in your life who is special to you and tell them you love them.
Let’s keep in touch, shall we?
You can see where I’m linking up on this page.
Goosebumps. I have goosebumps. Loved this!
Oh, thank you, Erin! You know us crazy writers see that as a huge compliment so thank you kindly, my dear! ;) Hope y’all had a fabulous weekend!
So very sweet! Treasure your dad :)
Thanks so much, Colleen! Love ya, doll! Xoxo
Aw girl I have tears. Love your honesty and heart in this post.
Thanks, Tiffany! I hadn’t spilled my heart in a while. It felt good to get it all out. :)
ALL THE TEARS! I can relate to so much of this. I just love you and your heart :) Thanks for putting it all out there ;)
Aww, girl! I know you can relate. Thanks for the sweet words! Xoxo
Very sweet and vulnerable lady. (Sidenote: how much does Charlotte look like you in your younger picture, holy cow!)
Thanks so much, Lauren! And yes, sometimes she looks exactly like me, and sometimes she looks a LOT like her dad. :) Hope y’all had a great weekend!
Awesome post, Kristy! Yes, love on your dad as much as you can. Some are simply gone too soon!
Thanks so much, Laura! I know that for a fact. We lost M’s dad in 2012, and he was gone way too soon. Hope you had a great weekend! Xoxo
“Perfectly imperfect” indeed; wise words, Sister!
Thanks so much, Whitney! Just words from my heart, perfectly imperfect is pretty much our motto around here. :)
Goosebumps. I have goosebumps. Loved this!
So very sweet! Treasure your dad :)
Aw girl I have tears. Love your honesty and heart in this post.
Such great words. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder!
Thanks so much, Keri! Glad my words were encouraging to you! Xoxo
ALL THE TEARS! I can relate to so much of this. I just love you and your heart :) Thanks for putting it all out there ;)
Oh my gosh! What a beautiful tribute to your dad. You spoke from the heart and your words are eloquently written with so much love and admiration for this special man called “Dad.” Happy Father’s Day, Bobby Villafuerte! You have raised a beautiful girl and family.
Thank you so much, Arisela! You are always too kind. I’m happy to share my words always. :)
Very sweet and vulnerable lady. (Sidenote: how much does Charlotte look like you in your younger picture, holy cow!)
Awesome post, Kristy! Yes, love on your dad as much as you can. Some are simply gone too soon!
"Perfectly imperfect" indeed; wise words, Sister!
Such great words. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder!
Oh my gosh! What a beautiful tribute to your dad. You spoke from the heart and your words are eloquently written with so much love and admiration for this special man called "Dad." Happy Father's Day, Bobby Villafuerte! You have raised a beautiful girl and family.
This was perfect. I’m crying. and I can relate on so many levels.. loved this SO much Kristy! Hope you have a fabulous weekend :)
Thanks, Karra! I’m so glad you could relate. I knew we were soul sisters! ;) Hope y’all had a wonderful weekend.
Beautifully written, you brought me to tears this morning. I think we know who Charlotte takes after…
Thanks so much, Courtney! I guess she does really look like me in that picture, huh? Hope you have a great week!
This was perfect. I'm crying. and I can relate on so many levels.. loved this SO much Kristy! Hope you have a fabulous weekend :)
Beautifully written, you brought me to tears this morning. I think we know who Charlotte takes after…
Precious just precious, oh and Charlotte definitely has your genes. Identical if I didn’t know any better. Enjoy your weekend, hopefully you’ll get some good dad time in!
Thanks so much, Alissa! She is definitely her mother’s daughter. :) Hope y’all had a good one!
Precious just precious, oh and Charlotte definitely has your genes. Identical if I didn't know any better. Enjoy your weekend, hopefully you'll get some good dad time in!
Absolutely loved this. All dads are so different from one another… It’s taken me most of my adulthood to swallow that no parents are ever given an instruction manual. It may not always be rainbows and butterflies but is our commandment from Him to honor our parents. It is in hindsight that we realize they are, after all, just trying to do the best they can.
Thanks so much, Kristina! I think it really hit me that parents are “just human” when I had my own baby. Eye opener for sure! No one has all the answers. We’re all just really doing the best we can.
Absolutely loved this. All dads are so different from one another… It's taken me most of my adulthood to swallow that no parents are ever given an instruction manual. It may not always be rainbows and butterflies but is our commandment from Him to honor our parents. It is in hindsight that we realize they are, after all, just trying to do the best they can.
Oh, thank you, Erin! You know us crazy writers see that as a huge compliment so thank you kindly, my dear! ;) Hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!
Thanks so much, Colleen! Love ya, doll! Xoxo
Thanks, Tiffany! I hadn't spilled my heart in a while. It felt good to get it all out. :)
Aww, girl! I know you can relate. Thanks for the sweet words! Xoxo
Thanks so much, Lauren! And yes, sometimes she looks exactly like me, and sometimes she looks a LOT like her dad. :) Hope y'all had a great weekend!
Thanks so much, Laura! I know that for a fact. We lost M's dad in 2012, and he was gone way too soon. Hope you had a great weekend! Xoxo
Thanks so much, Whitney! Just words from my heart, perfectly imperfect is pretty much our motto around here. :)
Thanks so much, Keri! Glad my words were encouraging to you! Xoxo
Thank you so much, Arisela! You are always too kind. I'm happy to share my words always. :)
Thanks, Karra! I'm so glad you could relate. I knew we were soul sisters! ;) Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend.
Thanks so much, Courtney! I guess she does really look like me in that picture, huh? Hope you have a great week!
Thanks so much, Alissa! She is definitely her mother's daughter. :) Hope y'all had a good one!
Thanks so much, Kristina! I think it really hit me that parents are "just human" when I had my own baby. Eye opener for sure! No one has all the answers. We're all just really doing the best we can.