The other day I
was reading Links I Love on Cupcakes and Cashmere and loved this sweet blog post written by a Dad. I really enjoyed reading it and I wanted to share it with you in honor of Fathers Day today. I am so
lucky to have an amazing Dad. He is encouraging, loving, and supportive. I’m so
happy I was able to spend some time with him this weekend to celebrate Fathers
Day.
I’ve listed the 50
Rules from the original post below and shared a pictures and memories with a
few of them.
Happy Fathers Day,
Dad! I love you very much. Thank you for always being supportive and
loving. I’m so lucky to have you as a Dad.
**************
1. Love her mom.
Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public
displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love
with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or
bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
One of the best
things about my parents is their obvious love for one another. They've been
married for almost 41 years, and have continually been the ideal role model for
marriage and how to love your partner. I can only hope someday I have a
marriage as strong as theirs.
 |
| Over 40 Years Together |
2. Always be
there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for
no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely
interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in
her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add
life to her years.
This was the great
thing about my Dad, we were always spending time together. He read to us every
night before bed, asked us about our day as we sat around the dinner table, and
took us camping and exploring every chance he got.
3. Save the day.
She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to
come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the
occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
He's always been
there for me. Even after I moved away to college, and now living in San
Francisco, I know he is just a phone call away. Even at 28 I call him for
advice about every big decision and strive to make him proud with everything I
do.
4. Savor every
moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers,
tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re
walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t
be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it
while you can.
I still think
you're the bees knees.
5. Pray for her.
Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
6. Buy her a glove
and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl
with a wicked slider.
We always
preferred to throw a nerf football instead :)
7. She will fight
with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
He ALWAYS chose
Mom's side. And that's ok. It used to bother me back then, but looking back, I
see that it goes hand in hand with #1 on this list. And I'm guessing my Mom was
probably right anyway.
8. Go ahead. Buy
her those pearls.
I got opals
instead, since I'm an October baby. And I like them better anyway.
9. Of course you
look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
I'm sure there
were a lot of peek-a-boo games I just can't remember.
10. Enjoy the
wonder of bath time.
11. There will
come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in
her life, just say, “Yes.”
I didn't get a yes
on that one. But anytime I see a golden retriever I think of my Dad. It's a our
special 'thing' from the song, Father
Daughter by Paul Simon.
12. It’s never too
early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry
as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
Dad is always the
one I go to when I need advice about money. You can bet I haven't always made
the best decisions. But I'll never forget the paper he gave me before heading
off to college with a breakdown of interest payments on credit cards. Scary. I
keep that in mind every time I reach for a credit card, "do I really need this?"
13. Make pancakes
in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with
pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
Eggs were always
Dad's specialty for breakfast (and still are)! And on birthday's, he'd blast They Say It's Your Birthday, by the
Beatles or some Ab Lincoln birthday song that I can't remember for the life of
me, sorry Dad!
14. Buy her a pair
of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching
shoes with her old man.
I don't think they
had baby chucks back then. But I remember when I bought my first pair, my Dad thought
they were SO cool and told me how he used to work out in them :)
15. Dance with
her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til
her wedding day.
I danced on your
toes in the kitchen when I was a little girl. And again at Val's wedding a few
years ago. Both are some of my favorite memories.
16. Take her
fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
I had so much fun
fishing with you when we went backpacking. It was the trip when I burned my
foot, so we stayed back at the lake while Mom and Christine went for a hike. We
were lucky that day, and caught at least 8 I think. I clearly remember you
teaching me how to clean it, I was both grossed out and totally intrigued.
17. Learn to say
no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to
your guns.
I'm sure there
were a lot of times you said "no" but actually, I can't think of a
specific time. Probably because I realized it was for the best, except for
maybe the dog thing (question #11).
18. Tell her she’s
beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty”
magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
You always made me
feel loved and beautiful. More than anyone else in my life.
19. Teach her to
change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in
her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
You taught me how
to change a flat on my Camry in the garage. Luckily I haven't had to call you
crying yet!
20. Take her
camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the
first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
You hit this one
out of the ballpark. I am so blessed to have spent so much time camping and
traveling with you growing up. I've seen more backcountry than most get to see
in their lifetime. Because of this, I share your love of the great outdoors and
our environment. Thank you for taking the time to teach me how important it is
to get out and enjoy nature.
21. Let her hold
the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.
I remember doing
this on the way home from Grams house in the Vanagon, I don't know if I just
sat on your lap or actually got to "steer" but it's a happy memory
just the same. And I'll never forget when you first took me out to drive before
I had my permit. We went to the high school and drove in circles through the
parking lot. I think of you every time I drive over a speed bump to fast, and
when I "totally pause" at the stop sign on Sunnyside.
22. She’s as smart
as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
I've always been
able to keep up with the boys, and I'm not afraid to get dirty!
23. When she
learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face.
Encourage this practice.
24. Knowing how to
eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach
her anyway.
I don't think I've
ever seen YOU eat a sunflower seed. Unless it was in some type of trail mix or gorp.
25. Letting her
ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back
and she’s still tiny.
26. It is in her
nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a
wooden floor.
That was the best
part about the new addition, besides painting a mural on the wall before they
knocked it down :) I could spin in circles for hours and slide around in my
socks. And we can't forget when Christine, Lauren and I did the Macarena.
27. If there’s a
splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the
water like a duck to a puddle.
28. She will
eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
It was always so
exciting to greet you when you got home. I remember running out to meet you in
the garage or at the front door when you would get home from work.
29. If her mom
enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be
intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.
30. Never miss her
birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will
remember if you weren’t there.
31. Teach her to
roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
32. Let her roll
around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
33. Take her
swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the
urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
34. Somewhere
between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that
she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
35. She’ll
probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
36. Few things in
life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never
forget this.
37. Introduce her
to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and
faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as
yours. Keep that in mind.
38. When she’s a
bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers.
When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
39. Holding her
upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great
for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
40. She might ask
you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy
her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
41. Take it easy
on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of
experiences you can share together.
42. Let her know
she can always come home. No matter what.
43. Remember, just
like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her
caterpillar years.
44. Write her a
handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes
off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them
most.
You always write
the best cards. I always knew this to be true, but when I did the anniversary
gift for you and mom last year, a few people mentioned that in their letters. I
realized how lucky I was that you're my parents, and not everyone gets sweet
cards like I do.
45. Learn to trust
her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the
expectations you set for her.
I'm sure this was
a challenge during my high school years. Thanks for sticking with me :)
46. When in doubt,
trust your heart. She already does.
47. When your
teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will
add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
I remember very
clearly one morning when you were driving to school, I was MAD. I don't
remember what about, but I remember you wanting to talk about things on the
drive. I said, "I'm not ready to talk about it yet." And you said,
"That's okay. We can talk about it later." I remember feeling really thankful
that you were able to give me space so I could cool down, and collect my
thoughts.
48. Ice cream
covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
Ice cream and
frozen yogurt used to be a frequent treat. (Unless I went to the wrong day care
and missed our frozen yogurt date)! We'd both usually get rainbow sherbet if it
was at Baskin Robbins, you with a waffle cone, me with a cake cone. But I think
the real favorite for both of us is chocolate and vanilla swirl soft serve
after a long hike in Tuolumne Meadows.
49. This day is
coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you
accept this fact, the easier it will be.
50. Today she’s
walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to
college. Don’t blink.
Be sure to check out Michael's original post here.
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there! Especially mine :)
xoxo,
Theresa
