by Linda Saye

Created on: March 09, 2009

It is true that I am "Daddy's Girl" in every way possible. You see, I am an only child, and my Dad took it to heart to protect me from anything and everything that could possibly hurt me. I have memories of Dad putting mercurochrome that awful red medicine on my cuts and scrapes. In one especially horrifying incident, I somehow seemed to have gotten my heel caught in the spokes of my bike, and Dad had A LOT of doctoring to do that day! I also remember him pacing the floor late at night, waiting for me to get home after nights out with my friends. At the time, I thought he was unbelievably controlling and strict. Now, after many years have passed and I now have my own child, I completely understand where he was coming from. Oh, how sorry I am that I put him through so much worry! And, I remember the many conversations I had with him regarding my various boyfriends over the years. I believed that he thought that no man was ever going to be good enough for me, and that I didn't need a "man" to make me happy in life. Well, he was certainly right in that no-one else is responsible for my happiness but me, and even though he has told me that my whole life, it's just recently that I have come to understand this more fully. Now, I can look back on our conversations and appreciate my Dad's wisdom.

My Dad also took it to heart to provide me with the best of things in life something that he never had as a child growing up. I now can fully appreciate the fact that my Dad went to school at odd hours, while also working a full shift, so that he could get a better paying job and maybe even a "career". And, while he was somehow making ends meet, he still managed to find ways to buy me new clothes; send me to summer camp; buy me a car in high school; send me to school at Vanderbilt University! Having been recently unemployed, myself - and wondering where we were going to find the money for our son's school - I now understand what an accomplishment it was that my Dad somehow always found a way. And, he continues to provide - with our son's college fund and with financial support during my unemployment. I am embarrassed that he has even had to send money to help us out - after all a Vandy grad shouldn't find oneself in this situation! But, I am forever grateful that my Dad has the means to have helped us out in a very tough time, and that he willingly and generously did so without any questions.

I consider myself very lucky to have a Dad that is wise, kind, generous, and loving. He's not afraid to tell me what's on his mind, and I feel the same way. He's one of my best friends I doubt too many women can say the same. Is it any wonder that I proudly proclaim that I am "Daddy's Girl"?

I love you, Dad!

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