"She Did Not Stand Alone..." The Gifts That are My Foundation-Father's Day 2022

 

“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father."

~Harper Lee

 I am a "Daddy's Girl".  I have no shame in saying that. Sure, there are a lot of negative looks that come with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...not exactly words you label someone who has always been a feminist and worked to encourage all girls to believe in themselves and their dreams ...but for me, the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day. The insurance, and assurance, that believing in myself, as Daddy believed in me, will get me through and propel me onward. Nothing wrong with being a Princess when you have been handed the power to be, to go forward with strength, determination, and the unwavering belief that even when I trip along the way I have been left with a gift- to know I can get back up and stay in the race.

It astonishes me, I have lived as much of my life without my Dad as with him. How can that be? Yet, my Dad has never really left me, he never could. The tumult of these months, and years, have me continually searching for my anchor, my center point on which to land and from which to move forward again. On these many days, I pull on a thread, a very old tired thread. Sometimes I have to really tug at that thread, it is covered in the dust of disappointment, worry, expectations, dreams, and promises. It is that thread, however, that doesn't unravel me as you might think a long thread of memories might, rather it helps me to do what I know well, knit myself back to what I wear best-the love of my Dad.

Loss leaves craters in your life, and no, sorry, it does not get easier with time. Though those "potholes" of life can never be filled, and will never be closed, if you carry a safety net, a gift of strength and love then when you hit those holes, and you will, the holes can be softer to look into and can, in fact, bring joy and the kick you need to move forward.

 

via

“Being a daddy’s girl is like having a permanent armor for the rest of your life.” 

~Marinela Reka 

 

 This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time, I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart. Gifts that have given me an umbrella policy for life, a firm footing even when it feels as if the universe has sent me into orbit all on my own.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I was living without that safety net, free falling-I still have a whole lot of days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me the biggest net of all- the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet at all times, because of the lessons he taught me: be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done! know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my foundation, grow the roots that sprout from my feet, and created my own terra firma, composed of all the love that I was graced to be given. 

 A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there but a guiding light whose love shows us the way

~Annonymous

The gifts on which I stand, my Father's love, and thorough unwavering belief in me have taught me to trust my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to rely on my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never even try! I think the only instances that Daddy was really upset and angry with me is when I gave up, ran home, hid under the covers, and retreated without giving it a shot.

Still on the days when I think…” There is NO way I can do this!” or "What do I do next" I hear Daddy saying “Just try!”.  I take a deep breath and pull on that string that brings him closer, grab a Kleenex for the ride, and know that even in a world that makes absolutely no sense, I can move forward and knit my way through. My Dad lived through the Depression, dealt with loss, went t war too young, saw too much in WWII, and came back to make his own way-no one handed him a thing.  These experiences framed him, perhaps left scars that I wasn't shown, but they didn't impede his spirit and I know he would expect me to learn the lessons of my time, and not let these days stop my spirit, and move forward to whatever might be next knowing I am tied to love.

 Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh, how I wish you were here to watch me run my own crazy race, especially when I run the other way :) I love you today and everyday!

"In the darkest days, when I feel inadequate, unloved and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown."

~Anonymous

The Gifts on Which I Stand-Happy Father's Day

“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father."

~Harper Lee

 

It astonishes me, I have lived as much  of my life without my Dad as with him. How can that be? Yet, my Dad has never really left me, he never could. The tumult of these months, and years, have  me continually searching for my anchor, my center point on which to land and from which to move forward again. On these many days I pull on a thread, a very old tired thread. Sometimes I have to really tug at that thread, it is covered in the dust of disappointment, worry, expectations, dreams and promises. It is that thread,however, that doesn't unravel me as you might think a long thread of memories might, rather it helps me to do what I know well, knit myself back to what I wear best-the love of my Dad.

Loss leaves craters in your life, and no,sorry, it does not get easier with time. Though those "potholes" of life  can never be filled, and will never be closed, if you carry a safety net, a gift of strength and love then when you hit those holes, and you will, the holes can be softer to look into and can in fact  bring joy and the kick you need to move forward.

 

via

“Being a daddy’s girl is like having a permanent armor for the rest of your life.” 

~Marinela Reka 

 

  I am a "Daddy's Girl".  I have no shame in saying that. Sure, there are a lot of negative looks that come with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...not exactly words you label someone who has always been a feminist and worked to encourage all girls to believe in themselves and their dreams ...but for me the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day. The insurance, and assurance, that believing in myself,as Daddy believed in me, will get me through and propel me onward. Nothing wrong with being a Princess when you have been handed the power to be, to go forward with strength, determination and the unwavering belief that even when I trip I have been left with a gift to know I can get up and stay in the race.

 A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there but a guiding light whose love shows us the way

~Annonymous

This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time, I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart. Gifts that have given me an umbrella policy for life, a firm footing even when it feels as if the universe  has sent me into orbit all on my own.

via Curly Girl Design

"Run your own race,baby. He could have said it a dozen other ways. “Be independent.” “Don’t be influenced by others.” But it wouldn’t have been the same. The words he chose touched my heart and have remained with me all through my life. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, 

“Am I running my race or somebody else’s?"

What a gift he gave me."

Marlo Thomas on her Dad Danny Thomas' advice to her.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I was living without that safety net, free falling-I still have a whole lot of days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me the biggest net of all- the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet at all times, because of the lessons he taught me: be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done!, know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my foundation, grow the roots that sprout from my feet and created my own terra firma, composed of all the love that I was graced to be given. 

The gifts on which I stand, my Father's love and thorough belief in me has taught me to trust my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to rely on my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never even try! I think the only instances that Daddy was really upset and angry with me is when I gave up, ran home, hid under the covers,and retreated without giving it a shot.

Still on the days when I think…”There is NO way I can do this!” or "What do I do next" I hear Daddy saying “Just try!”.  I take a deep breath and pull on that string that brings him closer, grab a Kleenex for the ride, and know that even in a world that makes absolutely no sense, I can move forward and knit my way through. My Dad lived through the Depression,dealt with loss, went t war too young, saw too much in WWII and came back to make his own way-no one handed him a thing.  These experiences framed him, perhaps left scars that I wasn't shown, but they didn't impede his spirit and I know he would expect me to learn the lessons of my time, and not let these days stop my spirit, and move forward to whatever might be next knowing I am tied to love.

 Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh how I wish you were here to watch me run my own crazy race,especially when I run the other way :) I love you today and everyday!

"In the darkest days, when I feel inadequate, unloved and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown."

~Anonymous

Standing with Me Now, and Always-Father's Day 2020

“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father."

~Harper Lee

I woke this morning with a stunning thought, well stunning for me anyway, I have lived more of my life without my Dad than with him. How can that be? On so many levels my Dad has never left me, he never could. Yet, the tumult of these months, and years, have  me continually searching for my anchor, my center point on which to land and from which to move forward again. On these many days I pull on a thread, a very old tired thread. Sometimes I have to really tug at that thread, it is covered in the dust of disappointment, worry, expectations, dreams and promises. It is that thread,however, that doesn't unravel me as you might think a long thread of memories might, rather it helps me to do what I know well, knit myself back to what I wear best-the love of my Dad.

Loss leaves craters in your life, and no it does not get easier with time. Though those "potholes" of life  can never be filled, and will never be closed, if you have been enveloped with love when you hit those holes, and you do, the holes are softer to look into and can in fact  bring both strength and joy.

 

via

“Being a daddy’s girl is like having a permanent armor for the rest of your life.” 

~Marinela Reka 

I proudly say I am a "Daddy's Girl". There are a lot of negative looks that come with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...not exactly words you label someone who has always been a feminist and worked to encourage all girls to believe in themselves and their dreams ...but for me the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day. The insurance, and assurance, that believing in myself,as Daddy believed in me, will get me through and propel me forward. 

 A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there but a guiding light whose love shows us the way

~Annonymous

This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart. Gifts that have given me an umbrella policy for life, a firm footing even when it feels as if the the universe  has sent me into orbit on my own.

via Curly Girl Design

"Run your own race,baby. He could have said it a dozen other ways. “Be independent.” “Don’t be influenced by others.” But it wouldn’t have been the same. The words he chose touched my heart and have remained with me all through my life. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, 

“Am I running my race or somebody else’s?"

What a gift he gave me."

Marlo Thomas on her Dad Danny Thomas' advice to her.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I was living without a safety net, free falling-I still have a whole lot of days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me the biggest net of all- the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet at all times, because of the lessons he taught me: be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done!, know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my base, grow the roots that sprout from my feet and created my own terra firma, composed of all the love that I was graced to be given. 

That love has taught me to believe in myself and my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to trust my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never try! I think the only instances that Daddy was really upset and angry with me is when I gave up, ran home, hid under the covers, didn't try.

Still on the days when I think…”There is NO way I can do this!” or "What do I do next" I hear Daddy saying “Try!”.  I pull on that string that brings him closer, grab a Kleenex for the ride, and know that even in a world that makes absolutely no sense, I can move forward and knit my way through. My Dad lived through the Depression and WWII.  These experiences framed him, perhaps left scars that I wasn't shown, but they didn't impede his spirit and I know he would expect me to learn the lessons of now and not let these days stop my spirit, and to move forward knowing I am tied to love.

 Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh how I wish you were here to watch me run my own crazy race,especially when I run the other way :) I love you today and everyday!

In the darkest days, when I feel inadequate, unloved and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown.

~Anonymous

On Which I Stand-Father's Day 2019

 via

 “She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father." ~Harper Lee

 There was a time I ran from this day, as far as I could.  A day filled with memories so strong that 29 years later I can still be sent back in a flash to all those big family Father's Day cook-outs, in all types of weather...the piles of gifts left in front of my Papa who preferred to have all his grandchildren around him rather than packages and left the presents for Nana to open, the clumsily wrapped cans of tennis balls and Izod polos that populated Daddy's stack of gifts...  Yes, this is yet another Hallmark day. A day designed for card sellers and tie makers.  Of course we should celebrate Dads beyond a Sunday in June, but to have a day set aside on the calendar to stop and hug the man or the memories I have to come to feel is a good thing.

 via

  No, it does not get easier with time.  Loss leaves craters in your life.  Though they can never be filled, and will never be closed, if you have been enveloped with love the holes are softer to look into and can bring both strength and joy.

via

  This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart. Gifts that have given me an umbrella policy for life, a firm footing even when it feels as if the the universe  has sent me into orbit on my own.

Being a daddy’s girl is like having a permanent armor for the rest of your life.”

~Marinela Ranka 

 I proudly say I am a "Daddy's Girl". There are a lot of negative connotations with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...not ususally words you label someone who has always been a Feminist...but for me the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day. The insurance, and assurance, that believing in myself,as Daddy believed in me, will get me through and propel me forward.

via Curly Girl Design

"Run your own race,baby. He could have said it a dozen other ways. “Be independent.” “Don’t be influenced by others.” But it wouldn’t have been the same. The words he chose touched my heart and have remained with me all through my life. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, 

“Am I running my race or somebody else’s?"

What a gift he gave me."

Marlo Thomas on her Dad Danny Thomas' advice to her.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I was living without a safety net, free falling-I still have a whole lot of days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me the biggest net of all- the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet at all times, because of the lessons he taught me: be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done!, know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my base, grow the roots that sprout from my feet and created my own terra firma, composed of all the love that I was graced to be given. 

 via

  How very lucky I am to know that being a “Daddy’s Girl” means that I carry the extraordinary gift of unconditional love with me wherever life takes me. That love has taught me to believe in myself and my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to trust my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never try! I think the only instances that Daddy was really upset and angry with me is when I gave up, ran home, didn't try.

Still on the days when I think…”There is NO way I can do this!” or "What do I do next" I hear Daddy saying “Just Try”.  Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh how I wish you were here to watch me run my own crazy race,especially when I run the other way :) I love you today and everyday!

My Umbrella Policy-Daddy's Gifts Today and Everyday

via

 “She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father."

~Harper Lee

via

This week has been another horror of headlines. No, I will never get used to watching the world crumble, and I fear we are becoming numb and expectant of each new outrage and accost to decency and humanity.  This week,however, was especially painful because the most innocent are being harmed,perhaps for life, by being torn from their parents who made the egregious error of wanting a better world and future for their children. On this Father's Day may every Father who can make a difference and change a policy of such horrific outcome do it and do it now! 

 via

 Yes, this is yet another Hallmark day, designed for card sellers and tie makers.  Of course we should celebrate Dads beyond a Sunday in June, but to have a day set aside on the calendar to stop and hug the man or the memories is a good thing. There was a time I ran from this day, a day filled with memories so strong that 28 years later I can still feel all those  family Father's Day cook-outs in all types of weather, the piles of gifts left in front of my Papa who preferred to have all his grandchildren around him rather than packages and left the presents for Nana to open, the clumsily wrapped cans of tennis balls and Izod polos that populated Daddy's stack of gifts... 

via

  No, it does not get easier with time.  Loss leaves craters in your life.  Though they can never be filled, and will never be closed, if you have been enveloped with love the holes are softer to look into and can bring both strength and joy.

via

 Though this will never be a fun day for me, it is a day that holds my own stash of gifts.   This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart. Gifts that have given me an umbrella policy for life.

Being a daddy’s girl is like having a permanent armor for the rest of your life.”

~Marinela Ranka 

 I proudly say I am a "Daddy's Girl" and that is a badge I wear boldly. There are a lot of negative connotations with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...but for me the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day. The insurance, and assurance, that believing in myself,as Daddy believed in me, will get me through.

via Curly Girl Design

"Run your own race,baby. He could have said it a dozen other ways. “Be independent.” “Don’t be influenced by others.” But it wouldn’t have been the same. The words he chose touched my heart and have remained with me all through my life. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, 

“Am I running my race or somebody else’s?"

What a gift he gave me."

Marlo Thomas on her Dad Danny Thomas' advice to her.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I were living without a safety net, sort of free falling-I still have days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me many gifts, gifts that would help me realize that a safety net would always be there. My umbrella policy. The most important gift perhaps is the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet because of the lessons he taught me-be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done!, know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my base, grow the roots that sprout from my feet and created my own terra firma, composed of all  the love that I was graced to be given. 

  How very lucky I am to know that being a “Daddy’s Girl” means that I carry the extraordinary gift of unconditional love with me wherever life takes me. That love has taught me to believe in myself and my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to trust my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never try! I think the only instances that Daddy was upset and angry with me is when I gave up, ran home, didn't try.

Still on the days when I think…”There is NO way I can do this!” I hear Daddy saying “just try”. Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh how I wish you were here to watch me run my race,especially when I run the other way :) I love you today and everyday!

Standing on Love-Daddy's Gifts

There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.
—John Gregory Brown

This past week I watched ESPN's terrific "30 for 30" about the 1980's rivalry between The L.A. Lakers and The Boston Celtics... Magic v. Bird.  It was indeed all that has branded it-Legendary, Historic, Classic, Nostalgic...and for me a monsoon of memories. To this day when I see those mythic games I can only think of Daddy and the Sunday afternoons with the roar of the real Boston Garden for soundtrack.  After we lost him it would be over 10 years before I could even listen to a game. Now, on this Father's Day, I wrap those moments up and add them to the giant box of sound and images that throw me backwards, fill me with every emotion imaginable, remind me to remember what I know and to look to my feet and the ground I stand on, and pick up that box and take it with me as I walk forward.

 via

 Yes, this is yet another Hallmark day, designed for card sellers and tie makers.  Of course we should celebrate Dads beyond a Sunday in June, but to have a day set aside on the calendar to stop and hug the man or the memories is a good thing. There was a time I ran from this day, a day filled with memories so strong that 27 years later I can still feel all those  family Father's Day cook-outs in all types of weather, the piles of gifts left in front of my Papa who preferred to have all his grandchildren around him rather than packages and left the presents for Nana to open, the clumsily wrapped cans of tennis balls and Izod polos that populated Daddy's stack of gifts...  No, it does not get easier with time.  Loss leaves craters in your life.  Though they can never be filled, and will never be closed, if you have been enveloped with love the holes are softer to look into and can bring both strength and joy.

 Though this will never be a fun day for me, it is a day that holds my own stash of gifts.   This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart.

 I proudly say I am a "Daddy's Girl" and that is a badge I wear boldly. There are a lot of negative connotations with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...but for me the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day.

"Run your own race,baby. He could have said it a dozen other ways. “Be independent.” “Don’t be influenced by others.” But it wouldn’t have been the same. The words he chose touched my heart and have remained with me all through my life. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, 

“Am I running my race or somebody else’s?"

What a gift he gave me."

Marlo Thomas on her Dad Danny Thomas' advice to her.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I were living without a safety net, sort of free falling-I still have days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me many gifts, gifts that would help me realize that a safety net would  always there.  The most important gift perhaps is the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet because of the lessons he taught me-be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done!, know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my base, grow the roots that sprout from my feet and created my own terra firma, composed of all  the love that I was graced to be given. 

How very lucky I am to know that being a “Daddy’s Girl” means that I carry the extraordinary gift of unconditional love with me wherever life takes me. That love has taught me to believe in myself and my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to trust my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never try!

On the days when I think…”There is NO way I can do this!” I hear Daddy saying “just try”. Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh how I wish you were here to watch me run my race. I love you today and everyday!

Thankfully, A "Daddy's Girl"-The Gifts that Let me Run My Own Race

via Curly Girl Design

Yes, this is yet another Hallmark day, designed for card sellers and tie makers.  Of course we should celebrate Dads beyond a Sunday in June, but to have a day set aside on the calendar to stop and hug the man or the memories can be a good thing. There was a time I ran from this day.  This is a day filled with memories so strong that 25 years later I can still take myself back to the countless  family Father's Day cook-outs in all types of weather... the piles of gifts left in front of my Papa who preferred to have all his grandchildren around him rather than packages and left the presents for Nana to open...the clumsily wrapped cans of tennis balls and Izod polos that populated Daddy's stack of gifts... No, it does not get easier with time.  Loss leaves craters in your life.  Though they can never be filled and will never be closed, if you have been enveloped with love the holes are softer to look into and can bring both strength and joy. Though this will never be a fun day for me, it is a day that holds my own stash of gifts.   This Father's Day weekend may not be my first without Daddy, but like every year at this time I try to keep the mascara from going by hugging the memories and re-opening his many gifts to me.  

Gifts that I carry with me every day and always will.  

Gifts that are sewn into the core of my soul and especially my heart.

via

 I proudly say I am a "Daddy's Girl" and that is a badge I wear boldly. There are a lot of negative connotations with that phrase...spoiled, Princess, indulged...but for me the phrase symbolizes not only the unbreakable bond between a Father and Daughter but also the foundation upon which I stand... every day.

via

"Run your own race,baby. He could have said it a dozen other ways. “Be independent.” “Don’t be influenced by others.” But it wouldn’t have been the same. The words he chose touched my heart and have remained with me all through my life. Whenever I’m at a crossroads, I ask myself, 

“Am I running my race or somebody else’s?"

What a gift he gave me."

Marlo Thomas on her Dad Danny Thomas' advice to her.

We lost my Dad suddenly. After the shock wore off, and the numbness set in, I felt as if I were living without a safety net, sort of free falling-I still have days I feel that way. It took some time to realize that Daddy had left me many gifts, gifts that would help me realize that a safety net would  always there.  The most important gift perhaps is the knowledge that I do have solid ground beneath my feet because of the lessons he taught me-be yourself, stand for what you believe, laugh no matter what, show them how it's done!, know you tried your best, believe in who you are!  These lessons helped to build my base, grow the roots that sprout from my feet and created my own terra firma, composed of all  the love that I was graced to be given. 

How very lucky I am to know that being a “Daddy’s Girl” means that I carry the extraordinary gift of unconditional love with me wherever life takes me. That love has taught me to believe in myself and my strengths, and to know that I CAN “run my own race”- even when I have trouble finding the track. My Father taught me to trust my instincts, believe that there is nothing I can’t accomplish and that the worst thing I could do would be to give up, pass on an opportunity or to sit on the sidelines and never try!

On the days when I think…”There is NO way I can do this!” I hear Daddy saying “just try”. Happy Father’s Day Daddy…Thank you for my many gifts. Oh how I wish you were here to watch me run my race. I love you today and everyday!