DADDY...

In every girl's heart, there's a place set apart, that only her dad can fill

I’m a daddy’s girl and always have been. So, when I got the news about my dad from the hospital, I fell to the floor and broke down uncontrollably. I was shaking, unable to process what I was being told. I kept asking the nurse if she had the right person because I had just spoken to my father hours before, but she assured me, that it was indeed him. I couldn’t believe it, and I still can’t. My kids saw me on the floor sobbing. I had to tell them only to hear even more crying and sobbing. I called my dad’s siblings and other family members and the news spread.

My dad and I had a very very special bond. Our relationship transcended further than just father and daughter, but we were spiritually connected. I could feel when he was about to call or when he was thinking about me. I know for a fact that he chose me to be his daughter; we both have the very same birthmark on our ankles on the same foot. How often does that happen in the physical world?

Although my parents were divorced, my dad was involved in every aspect of my life up until the day he died. He was there for everything; the birth of my kids, birthdays, holidays, graduations, parties, housewarmings, everything. I take comfort in knowing that I have all these fond, happy memories of my daddy to have and hold forever. Like when I was in elementary school how he used to bring me ice cream every day after school or when he started crying at my graduation from Michigan, embarrassing me in front of my friends, and too many countless to type here. My friends and classmates used to get so jealous of me because I had the “cool” dad. Everyone wanted my dad to be theirs. Always excited to meet my friends and classmates, I never met anyone who didn’t like my dad. He was my support, my heart, my best friend, my everything. He helped me emotionally, financially, mentally, etc. He came to visit me and the grandkids last April and as always, the kids absolutely adored their grandfather. He fed them candy, cookies, snacks, everything a grandfather should and I remember getting “mad” at him for feeding the kids junk food; my daughter ended up getting a tummy ache, but it was all in love.

My kids and I spoke to my dad just hours before he made his transition and I will forever be grateful for God’s timing. He allowed for my kids and I to hear his voice one final time before returning back to Him. Lord, I thank you for lending daddy to me. Thank you for sending me a beautiful, supportive, loving father and grandfather to my children. Thank you for allowing my father to choose me to be his daughter.  I am so blessed that God gave me such an amazing father and I couldn't have prayed for a better one. Lord, I surrender my father back to you. I pray that all the memories that friends, family, coworkers have of him, that those memories comfort them and help heal their spirits, Father God.

Daddy, I just can't thank you enough for all that you've done. You were there with a helping hand just when I needed it most...ready to pitch in and do whatever you could. You gave me something very special, your time, and I'll always remember you for it.  I promise to make you proud even in spirit. My love for you will never abate even if you are no longer physically here. I pray that you continue to watch over me, Bashan, your grandchildren, siblings, and friends and family. My spiritual advisor told me that you were with your mom; she was making you a nice Sunday dinner with homemade biscuits. What a blessing that is to have grandmother help you cross over. I hope you get a chance to see your friends and family members who have crossed over and returned to God.  I just hope that when my time comes, you’ll be right there waiting for me. Doodles, I love and adore you, forever and always. Until we see each other again daddy…

Love,

Your Lil T

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 Dad, You Mean So Much

How  do I tell you just how much you've meant to me throughout all of the years?

That you've patiently helped me to navigate life through my doubts, my pouts, and my fears?

How do I tell you how I've always felt to have someone like you for a dad?

You've been an adviser, an ally, a coach, and a million more things I could add.

I guess what I'm saying is please never doubt the importance and worth you possess, 

Because as a parent, a man, and MY DAD, you've been an OUTSTANDING success.

-Linda Lee Elrod