Thank You, Daddy!

He loved my Mother, my siblings and me, and my grandparents.

Thank you, Daddy!

He imparted to us that family cares for, protects, and celebrates family.

Thank you, Daddy!

He demonstrated time and again that love generates more love.

Thank you, Daddy!

He proved that to serve is a God-given ability that blesses the one serving.

Thank you, Daddy!

He cleaned bird droppings from my Easter coat when I was ten.

Thank you, Daddy!

He wiped my tears away whenever I was sad.

Thank you, Daddy!

He taught me to laugh heartily, enjoy music, and to dance.

Thank you, Daddy!

He encouraged us, by example, to work hard and to be successful.

Thank you, Daddy!

He let me jump into the driver's seat a block from home to drive to school.

Thank you, Daddy!

He sent money to me for my college phone bill when I should not have had one.

Thank you, Daddy!

He hesitated before he walked me down the aisle.

Thank you, Daddy!

He always enjoyed an afternoon of jazz and beer with my husband.

Thank you, Daddy!

He loved my son and daughter so very much.

Thank you, Daddy!

And, as we celebrate Father's Day this month, I can hear my Daddy lovingly saying,

"You are welcome, my Daughter."

by Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Triche Atkins