Daddy's Girl

Yep, I'll admit it, I'm a daddy's girl. There's no shame. My Dad and I have had a close bond ever since I can remember.

I was always interested in what he was doing and wanted to learn from him by observing. I remember watching him in the kitchen (he's an awesome cook) and learning how to cook a fried egg. I'm pretty sure I was cooking my own fried eggs much earlier than most children. I was never seen as a pest when I was around him. Sometimes he would sit in the garage and rummage through his old "memories" and belongings and I would just sit and watch, and listen when he told stories about an item. That's my Dad: everything has a story and a memory tied to it. I love it!

Dad and I were always partners in crime. Early on I decided that Girl Scouts was just not really for me, so I joined a local Venturing Crew (co-ed Boy Scouts). My Dad was excited about that since my brother had recently "grown out" of scouts, and now he had a new partner to accompany on trips and to meetings. We did almost everything together, and I was usually more interested in being partners with my Dad than with the other boys or girls my age. We canoed down the Colorado River, ran a C.O.P.E course in freezing cold and snow, went rock climbing and camping, and I was always helping when he was asked to cook for large groups of scouts (even when it wasn't my activity or event to attend).

Everyone in my family knows it, and they tease me about it every once in a while. I remember times when my siblings or even my Mom would ask me to talk my Dad into something we all wanted because "he'll listen to you" and "he won't say no to you". I just like to think I know how to present things logically and with a level head, rather than whiney and bratty like some other siblings may have. I don't know, maybe there is some sort of magic about it.

Dad and I have taken multiple road trips together through the years. I can fall asleep pretty easily in the car (especially when he likes to leave at 3am to beat the heat of the desert that we drive through), but we often have hours and hours of conversation while we're together. Nothing beats this! We actually took a trip recently with my Mom and husband, and they eventually were sitting in the backseat while Dad and I sat up front chatting about anything and everything. And don't forget the sing-a-longs we have too! Growing up so close to my Dad, I was exposed to the greatest genre of music which continues to be my favorite (Classic Rock, 60's and 70's). When we're not talking, we're singing and rocking out.

I always loved spending time with my Dad, and still do! Even now that I'm married off and living my own life, I still love spending that special time with him when we get it. Sometimes when we're out together I wonder whether other people think my Dad and I are "together". The thought makes me giggle, but definitely doesn't stop me from wanting to go on Daddy-daughter dates.

We always have a great time together. I wouldn't trade any of our time together for anything anyone can offer. My memories with my Dad are precious and I am so grateful for him. Thank you Daddy, for all of the wonderful times we've shared together and for all the amazing memories we have yet to make.

I love you Daddy!