One year ago I decided to drive home and surprise my dad for Father’s Day weekend. I’m so thankful I made the time to go home and spend the weekend with him. I didn’t know it at the time but it would be the last time I saw him before his accident.
When I got home Friday afternoon, my dad was napping in the basement. I started to walk down the stairs and he goes “how was the drive Annika?” He was a very difficult person to surprise. Just like he always predicted the ending of movies 5 minutes in, he always saw a surprise coming. However, I was able to surprise my mom and when she didn’t believe I was actually home, we sent her a selfie to prove it.
I have been dreading Father’s Day for the past 11 months and although I knew it was coming, I was still overcome with heartache and pain waking up this morning. We never did anything grand and extravagant for Father’s Day, but that’s not how my dad wanted to spend his day. He was happiest just grilling out, fishing and spending time with his family and if he got a round of golf in that morning, he was even happier! I let myself have an hour (or two) to cry and sulk this morning but I want to spend the rest of the day how my dad would want me to, celebrating him and all the wonderful memories I shared with him.
Today, I’m grateful to have had the most amazing dad anyone could ask for. I’m grateful he was able to see me graduate high school and college. I’m grateful he was there to send me off to Homecoming dances and Proms. I’m grateful to have spent numerous Daddy-Daughter dances with him (even when I spent the whole night playing with my friends while he talked with the other dads). I’m grateful for all the fabulous family vacations we took over the years, especially Hawaii. I’m grateful for all the trips he took to Ames when I was feeling homesick. I’m grateful for the phone calls and advice whenever I needed reassurance or a friendly voice. I’m grateful he was able to meet the love of my life, Nic. Most of all, I’m grateful for his endless support and unconditional love.
Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there, but especially mine. I love you, Dad.
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