I’ve talked a good bit about the impact of my mother’s path on my early life, but little about my dad. My mother has passed from this world, and so our shared portion of my story belongs solely to me now. However, my daddy is very present, and his portion of our shared story still belongs to us both.

What I will say is that I know how hard it was on him to have me so far away. He did everything he could to be present and impactful in my life. Unfortunately, my mother’s path made that arduous work for him in his efforts.

Even from across the country, I idolized my daddy. We have had our challenges, but the things I’ve been able to learn from him have been an enormous part of how I became the person I am today.

My mother gave me a gentle heart and an endless supply of love for others. My daddy taught me about integrity, the importance of hard work, and how to reserve any judgement of others, especially based on finances, race, social status, or any other worldly attribute.

My dad taught me the importance of kindness, especially when you’re in a position to give where another lacks. Whether that is a lack of resources, a lack of support, or a lack of hope and laughter… you help a brother or sister out and make up what you can of the difference.

My dad has shown me what it means to stay consistent and to continue to show up, especially when it’s hard to do so. He’s taught me the importance of communication, along with equal give and take in all relationships.

I’m blessed to say that, even as I approach my fiftieth birthday and have come to know who my father is as a person, in addition to a dad, he is still my hero. He’s helped me understand how important it was to forgive my mom for her mistakes, just as I am forgiven for mine.

So that is my daddy’s place in my story. He’s very present, very precious to me, and beloved by both my husband and myself. He is one of those reminders in life that God really loves me. It’s the best explanation for why I got picked to be MY daddy’s little girl!