Dating : Letters to My Girls: He’s More Than Your Dad

I know right now what you see is someone who will put you first in all things. He is your superhero, your whirlpool maker, your protector, and I promise you, he will be the one who cries when you get ready to go out on your first date. But, I think it is important that you have an opportunity to see the whole picture of the man you call “dad”.

You see, before he was a dad, he was a husband, but before he was a husband, he was a friend. This was the start of everything, and it was only because he pushed for more that the journey really began.

By becoming more he became the person who helped me see my value and worth as a person. He was also the person who cheered me on and coached me along as I grew into the woman I always dreamed I would be. He became the person I could bring all my troubles, worries, doubts, and fears to because he was the person who could share in my pain but still break through the clouds that had formed overhead.

He was also the person who showed me that hearts can break but heal, and he taught me that women have to be as careful with a man’s heart as we expect them to be with our own. I’m grateful for this lesson, and I promise you that it hurts a little to learn this but it can make all the difference if you do.

The journey doesn’t end there though because I experienced more love and more compassion as he watched my belly grow so large I could barely see my toes. He showed more joy and a newfound sense of all life could be when he looked into the eyes of his baby girl for the very first time. And, I can tell you honestly, that it is hard to imagine that a moment like that can be topped, but I have been fortunate enough to see how much more he can and will give to show his love.

So my girls, as you continue on your journey and go through this life, my hope for you both is that you find someone who shows you more than you ever dreamed possible. I also hope that as you grow, you will remember to see your dad with my eyes as well as your own so that you can see all the heart and love that goes into each moment he shares with you and with me.