My Life as a COMMA!

Today I want to give thanks and wish the best dad in the world…a Happy Birthday! 

Most of the time..my posts are more about the daily struggles or happy moments of my immediate family…or about the people I have loved and lost!

BUT NOT TODAY! Today is about my dad.  He was my first dance partner, my first love, my biggest fan and always present in my life!

Dad is a hard worker. From the time I was little, I remember him working.  He worked two jobs for a while…. Days at Montgomery Wards and nights at 7=11.  But Dad also knew how to have fun! He loved to dance with mom and me….and play games and have cookouts!

Dad also had a sense of fun! When I was in 7th grade….I decided to cut my long hair into layers..for the first time. I also was going to get a perm…for the first time. At that time, I spelled my name Shelly…and for some reason…Dad decided since I was making all these changes..it would be a good time to change how I spelled my name. That is when I started being known as Cheli. I think it fits me better that way. Dad says I was just way too unique to have such a plain spelling of my name!! =)

Dad has also been the strong, silent type.  Yes, I mostly went to mom when I needed something or to talk…but he was always there. He let me know I could be anything, do anything…..and that he believed in me.

As a parent now, I see some of the struggles and pain I caused him.  I deeply regret those times. As an adult, I see more clearly his resolve to help his family. He has always wanted for all of us…and not so much for himself.

I have to give him huge credit for so much. The strong, silent type is what I saw.  I didn’t see so many of the times he had to be strong.

It makes me think of the day my boys died. HE is the one I called for help. HE is the one who had to dial 911. HE is the one the police told first. HE is the one who had to call and tell me the most gut-wrenching news. HE is the one who had to go to the hospital and tell my mom (She had had surgery the day before). HE was the one who brought her home and readied the house for me to come home and all the visitors we would have. HE is the one who dealt with the media. HE is the one who sat beside me as police came to question me… HE is the one who went to the funeral home and helped me make all my decisions. HE is the one who while doing all of this, was still working and taking care of my mom who was terminal with cancer. HE is the one we have all turned to…

But who was he turning to? He had to be strong for all of us. He was the one who helped to hold us together. HE is the one I turned to in my darkest hour.
I must say…..I’ve seen my father go through a lot in life. His health issues……the loss of loved ones. He has always remained the strong, silent type…through them all.

But I also must say….I’ve never been so excited or so proud of my dad as the day I saw him be baptized at church. The knowledge I would get to spend eternity with this strong, silent man…..makes my heart smile in ways you just can’t imagine.

Daddy, you are one of the bravest men I know. You’ve helped me walk through so much in this life. I’ve learned from you. I’ve learned to be strong…and sometimes to be silent. I’m so proud to be your girl. That is why I want to share this pic of you walking with me…on one of the happiest days of my life.

Thank you for always being there. Thank you for always loving me.
I love you forever and always!
Happy Birthday Daddy! You’re my hero!
Your little girl ~c