To My Dad, My Hero

I miss you every day, Dad
But today's a special day
A year ago today you left this earth
Following Mom along Heaven's way

You taught us many lessons
By the way you lived your life
About courage and love and duty
Helping others and dealing with strife.

You answered freedom's call like many others
Although you were just a young man
Bravely walking into the face of danger
Always ready with a plan.

In World War II, Korea and Vietnam
Your country you proudly served
Fighting for the rights of others
And for freedom to be preserved.

Kids don't know much about heroes
Or why dads do the things they do
But any kid can tell you
A Dad's love is always true.

You taught us about love of family
And to look out for each other
But whenever we asked for anything
You told us, "Go ask your mother."

Your love for Mom ran deep
More deep than we could know
As she slipped away into God's embrace
You knew it was your time to go.

On Father's Day I thank you
For gifts of life, courage, strength and love
As you celebrate in Heaven
My special angel up above.

Dad, save a place for me up there
Put in a good word for me too
Someday I'll be singing "Almost Home"
As I prepare to join God, Mom and you.

I remember precious memories
You're always in my heart
Someday we'll be together again
Though for today, we are apart.

You set an example of family life
And taught me what to do
To raise my kids to be good people
Who help others - just like you.

Thanks for everything, Daddy
Your love and the lessons too
I'll hold you always deep in my heart
And strive to be just like you.

Loved and missed always, but forever in my heart
XOXOXO
Love, Ciss

Daddies and Daughters: A Forever Love

There's something special about the relationship between Daddies and their daughters. A dad is his daughter's first hero, a role model for every man in her future. As a little girl grows, she learns many lessons from her dad.

Daddies teach daughters practical lessons: how to ride a bike and swim, how to fix stuff and correct mistakes, how to fish and row a boat. Daddies teach daughters life lessons: how to stand up for your beliefs, how to face difficult challenges, how to be brave in the face of adversity.

Daddies teach their daughters self-confidence and that the sky is the limit if you work hard and stay focused. With each new lesson learned, a dad's encouragement helps his daughter's self-assurance grow.

Daddies aren't always big on words, but actions speak louder than words and a dad's love shines through his actions. Even when a dad is far away physically, a daughter can feel the warmth of his love.

Daddies teach their daughters how to behave properly. Table manners, courtesy and thoughtfulness are all important lessons daughters learn from watching how parents behave.

Daddies teach daughters how they should be treated. When a daughter watches her dad treat her mom with respect and kindness, she will expect the men in her future to treat her the same way. It's traditional for a dad to walk his daughter down the aisle and give her away in marriage to her husband.

As daughters become young women, a dad's role changes from a daily parenting role to a mentoring role of support. Dads become grandpas with the birth of grandchildren, a role many dads relish.

A dad who worked long hours when his daughter was young has the opportunity to relive his daughter's childhood when playing with grandchildren. When grandkids are young, grandpas enjoy getting down on the floor to play and teaching the grandkids new things.

Daughters hold a special place in a dad's heart, no matter how old they are. Daughters look up to and admire their dad and may become their dad's caretaker as he ages in a reversal of roles.

They say you can't go back home, but that's not really true. Even when you're not a little girl, the feelings of love and devotion between parents and children remains. Daughters who move away have to work harder to enjoy a grownup relationship with their parents. Frequent phone calls, emails, letters and visits back home strengthen the feelings of love and respect.

As time goes by, a daughter's love and respect for her first hero grows. As an adult balancing work and family, a daughter realizes and appreciates the many sacrifices her parents made for her.

My Dad taught his daughters many life lessons: to be brave and courageous even when facing insurmountable odds, to treat others with dignity and respect, to think through the consequences of actions, to help others in need, to stand proud and tall and to be strong even when life is unfair.

Thanks, Dad, for loving Mom in life and grieving her death. The love you two shared for 66 years can't be diminished in death. She's waiting for you now and I know the reunion will be wonderful.

Thanks, Dad, for serving as a shining example of Christian fatherhood for your daughters and sons. You taught us well and gave us the strength we'll need to continue when you're gone from our presence.

As we move gradually toward a life without you and Mom, I know you'll both be looking down on us and guiding us in our daily lives. I'm so grateful for the lessons you taught me, the love you showed me and the strength you gave me. Thanks, Dad, for being my first hero and the best Daddy a girl could ever have.