My dad was not 12 when I was born even though it appears that way!
Today is my dad’s birthday. Actually, this took a while. Yesterday was my dad’s birthday. I thought maybe I should introduce him. He was the first follower of this blog. (I bet you didn’t know that, but he was.)
My dad is hilariously funny. He’s sometimes horrifically inappropriate. He is witty and clever and really quick, and if you wonder if he’s kidding, the answer is yes. He is kind in a way that is never false. He will not waste his time with pleasantries, and he doesn’t lie. He does sometimes answer questions creatively when most people would answer them factually. Particularly in matters of science and history. I have been known to later repeat his theory as fact. (Sorry if you’re misinformed on account of us.) My dad is generous but never careless. He is perhaps the quietest wise man I’ve ever known. He doesn’t have to prove himself. He doesn’t have to convince you to agree with him or to respect him or even to like him.
But I do respect you, Dad. And I like you! And I agree with you (except when I don’t). And I love you.
My dad is one of those people who puts you at ease because he is at ease. He brings life to a room in a quiet, almost imperceptible way. He doesn’t have to be the life of the party. He just brings life to the party. Some people take up a lot of space in a room. My dad creates space. He makes room for you to be yourself. I don’t know how to explain it. But if you know him, you know what I mean.
Dad,
Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for teaching me how to laugh. Thank you for showing me that I’m strong. Thank you for the confidence you give me by trusting me. Thank you for keeping me grounded in a million different ways. Thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to be myself. Thank you for being a dad who makes room for me to be your daughter even when I puzzle you.
Thank you for showing me what the love of a father looks like. I trust God more easily because of you.
Happy day-after-your-birthday. I love you.
9 comments
Bonnie
December 1, 2014 at 1:26 pmCody,
I didn’t know your Dad before you wrote this, but now I do. You painted a complete picture of him with your feelings and your words. He’s one lucky Dad to have a daughter who sees all of that in him.
Dad
December 1, 2014 at 2:32 pmI love you CoDad
Dad
December 1, 2014 at 2:32 pmI love you CoDad
Annie
December 1, 2014 at 4:29 pmYou describe him perfectly!! ♥Happy Birthday, David♥
Annie
December 1, 2014 at 4:29 pmYou describe him perfectly!! ♥Happy Birthday, David♥
Becky
December 1, 2014 at 11:23 pmWhat a beautiful picture you paint of your father with your words.
Becky
December 1, 2014 at 11:23 pmWhat a beautiful picture you paint of your father with your words.
Lynn
December 2, 2014 at 5:22 amUnconditional Love… You are blessed.
With a few more unmentionable qualities you sound like you are describing the way I view my husband with our kids.
I love to read your blog.
Lynn
December 2, 2014 at 5:22 amUnconditional Love… You are blessed.
With a few more unmentionable qualities you sound like you are describing the way I view my husband with our kids.
I love to read your blog.