Daddy's Hands

Hi Dad. I know you told me not to reveal you on Gather, so I won’t. I want everyone to know how special you are to me, so I dedicate this to you with all the love in my heart and soul.

As a little girl, I was afraid to be in my room at night, so Mom would turn the little night light on and you would read me stories. It isn’t so unusual for children to be afraid, nor is reading bedtime stories out of the ordinary for a parent. It was the way you read the story that was so unique. You could masterfully mangle a good story book character and have me laughing hysterically, until Mom scolded both of us. Scheming and encouraging you to keep reading, so you would fall asleep before I would. Your snoring was a comfort, soothing me into slumber.

When I became a pre teen, you decided it was time for me to learn responsibility, by caring for someone other than myself. You brought Zoro into my life, the most beautiful American Paint horse I had ever laid eyes on. Anxiously waiting to come home after school every day, wanting to spend most of my free time with him, reading to Zoro while sitting on a pile of hay doing my homework, soon became a ritual. He would listen intently, twitching his ears while hanging his head over  my shoulder. Thank you Dad. Zoro was more than I could ever ask for.

My teen age years became a stumbling block for both of us. You were much too protective as I began to want a social life. Always wanting to know every detail about who I spent time with, or talked to, it quickly became annoying. Church was my only escape for social activities outside of family. None of the boys from school were approved by you. It was frustrating, and soon we began to drift from the closeness we once shared. Mom always stood by you, but she also helped me understand how you only wanted what was best. She would soothe my tears without ever taking sides, always letting me know she understood how I felt, reassuring me this would someday pass.

As High School came to an end, and College began, I became more appreciative of your protectiveness. You meant well. I learned discernment; better able to make wise choices. You have been a pillar in my life. Thank you Dad, for loving me that much.

When you walked me down the aisle on my wedding day, there was pride in your eyes. You shook my husband’s hand with approval. He was the man for me, and I whispered in your ear, “A job well done, Dad. You taught me well.”

I will pass on to my children all you have taught me, and more. They will know and love Grandad’s hands as I have known and loved

Daddy’s hands.