I don't think I have ever told anyone this but for a long time, I was frightened that I wouldn't have my Dad around past the age of 17. That is the age my Dad was when he lost his Dad suddenly from a brain aneurysm.
There are some men that have daughters when they would have been better with sons. It is tragic to see and be around a girl that hasn't had a good, scratch, Great....Dad. I have seen first hand the impact (good & bad) a Father can have on a daughter. I am a lucky one. Who had a Dad that always, no matter what, made me feel like I was the smartest, most athletic, most beautiful, confident girl. My Dad made me believe that I deserve the very best from life and love.
It is impossible to summarize 29 years of life with Dad like mine. He is one of the most special people I've ever met and I am honored that God had him be my dad. Here are some of my favorite things about him: He is 6'3". He taught me how to drive, ride a bike, and play basketball. He laughs a lot. He loves the sun, Mexico and buckets of beer. He is a guys guy but is sensitive and sweet and can talk to Kate and I about relationships and girl stuff. He loves Christmas. He loves turkey. He is loyal. He loves his family. He loves the Fiesta Americana Condesa. He is genuine and supportive. He is stern when he needs to be. One of the clearest examples is when I didn't want to go to college and he said to me that wasn't an option. He is a man of God and is one of the best examples of how to be and live like a Christian. He is a hard worker and just signed a multimillion dollar deal to sell the company he built from nothing. He takes vacations. He isn't snobby. He is humble. He is giving. He is funny. He loves people. He gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. He gives the best advice. He is severely conservative and the typical Republican. He loves consistency and traditions. He is honest. He is a great example of how a man is to love his wife. I know without a doubt he would do anything under the sun for his family and he loves my husband, admires and respects him which is the best feeling in the world.
One of the reasons Lane is my husband is because he possess a lot of the same qualities as my dad. I knew that I wanted to marry a guy that loved me and made me feel as beautiful, smart and lovely as my dad always made me feel. I saw how my dad treated my mom and that is exactly what I wanted for my marriage. And I found that in Lane. Who I know will make a great dad whenever we have children, which I hope is soon.
Here are a few shots of me and my dad throughout the years. I have a million pictures of our family vacations and times spent together. Pardon the really unflattering pictures of me in my youth. Even during that time, I never felt ugly because both my parents told me how pretty I was (which must have been hard :) )
Teaching me how to ride a bike: I think this was the first time ever I did it on my own:
Skating during my birthday party: I am on the right with the skinny bird legs:
The 80's:
Holding me when I was scared of Santa:
Hanging out:
First Father Daughter Dance:
Father Daughter Dance:
Father Daughter Dance:
Homecoming Junior year: (ug)
Homecoming Senior year: (ug)
We went to New York every June: He would go to a conference and the girls (Kate, Mom and I) would shop while he worked!
A yearly tradition putting up Christmas lights:
Visiting us in college:
At a Rangers game when I worked there:
Cutting the turkey - one of his favorite things to do:
Hoopin'
One of the many trips to Cancun: (which is where he is this Father's Day!)
Probably his favorite place on earth:
Walking me down the isle:
Giving me away to Lane:
The last Father Daughter dance:
My two favorite men:
