He lives a quiet life. He fades into the background. The shadows are his preference. He epitomizes class and he has the quickest wit of anyone I know. You won’t hear about him on the news or read about him in the paper. (Though I think you should). He has no need for recognition and, I would imagine, prefers the opposite. Still, I can’t help myself. Each year on this day I (unashamedly) use this space to celebrate my Dad.
Why? Because the world needs to know that there are people like him out there. Today is his birthday.
Dad,
Do you remember when I was in college and going through a really hard time? Do you remember when you used to make the hour drive to meet me half way between school and home to have dinner one night a week? Do you remember sitting in the car after and talking?
Thank you. . . for being there.
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Do you remember when you and I would “do Lent” together? Do you remember how the two of us would go out after 40 days of doing without? Do you remember breaking our fast together?
Thank you for teaching me discipline.
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Do you remember when that girl was really mean to me in elementary school? Do you remember the words you said? Do you remember saying, “don’t let someone put a ring in your nose and drag you around with them.” ? In essence you were telling me to be who I am.
I’m getting there.
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Do you remember my District track meet my junior year in high school? Do you remember that I ran the 1600 meters a half an hour before you were to leave work? Do you remember that the race was an hour away?
I want you to know that I remember coming around the curve of my second to last lap and hearing your voice “Stay steady, Summer. . . “.
I PR’d that day.
Thank you for showing up.
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Do you remember what you said when I started dating? Something like, “have him come to the door so he can meet your Mom, me, and my ball bat?”
We laughed at it, but the message was clear. . .
. . . thank you for helping me to know I was worth it. I found my prince.
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Do you remember our awkward footing after Mom died? The constant questions, how will we do this? What will this look like? Where do we go from here?
One step at a time were your words. . .
Thank you for being steady and strong and for leading the way. We’ve come far, haven’t we?
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Thank you for being so consistent.
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Dad, do you remember when we went from being Father and daughter to being friends, too?
Yeah, I don’t either. I’m just glad we did.
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Happy Birthday, Dad.
I sure do love you.
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p.s. Lest you think I’m seeing through rose-colored glasses. . . I also remember your orange and black Bengal tiger sweat pants and the time you threw bologna against the wall when the Begnals lost.
. . . just so you know.
Love,
Summer
Thank you for your life. . .
“The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely becasue we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.” -Leo Buscaglia
Beautiful! I'm crying :') you have an awesome family, keep up the great work!
Thank you so much, Jen!
Beautiful! I'm crying :') you have an awesome family, keep up the great work!
Beautiful! I'm crying :') you have an awesome family, keep up the great work!
What a beautiful and touching birthday post for your dad! He sounds like such a wonderful man, and it's clear that you really appreciate all of the many ways he has been there for you over the years. I hope he has a very happy day!
Thank you, Lisa. Yes, he is!
Oh wow – how amazing. This is incredible, Summer. Dad's are special, right?
Very special. YES. VERY.
Summer, you had me crying almost immediately. (As you are prone to doing. Ugh.)
Dear Summer's Dad:
Thank you for Summer. Thank you for the joy and inspiration she is to us. Thank you for creating this being who is sp AWESOME and sweet and kind and so authentically her.
Seriously, thank you.
Happy Birthday,
One of your daughter's cheerleaders.
Oh Ky.
Thank you for this. You made me cry this time.
Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders. . .
Summer, I've never met your father, but I feel like I know the man. Your words inspire me to let my father know what a gift he has been to me. Thanks for sharing your heart and inspiring others to do likewise.
Thank you for sharing this, Brenda. I hope you will like your Dad know. . . life is too short not to, isn't it?
🙂
Adore your blog. Met at Art of Composition.
Adore your blog. Met at Art of Composition.