Daddy’s Little Girl

“Holly, are you sleeping?” My dad would ask me every night when I was a little girl. This would be after he sang “Daddy’s Little Girl” several times to help me fall asleep. Then I would pretend to fall asleep and whisper “Yes.” My dad would carry me up to my room, tuck me in, and kiss me good night.

Whenever I wasn’t feeling well I could expect a brand new coloring book, with brand new 96 count Crayola crayons. My dad would make sure that I was fully prepared to color beautiful pictures while I healed from whatever ailment I had.

My dad is my superhero. He may not wear a cape, but he does carry a toolbox in his truck. He always has been and always will be. Whenever I need him for anything at all, he doesn’t even hesitate to come to my aide.

Flat tire? My dad comes to the rescue with his tools and a spare tire.

Plumbing issues? My dad assesses the situation and uses his industrial snake drain to rectify the issue.

Starting a new craft business? My dad buys all of my start up supplies and a heat press so that I can focus on my new skills.

Suffering from post partum pre-eclampsia 11 days after giving birth? My dad rubs my head and reassures me that I will be just fine, as the doctors figure out how to lower my blood pressure safely.

Start blogging? My dad reads and likes almost every single post, even though he barely uses social media.

Dads in general don’t always get positive reviews. However, my dad is exceptional. My dad is one of those dads who was just meant to be a dad. He loves my sister and I with his whole being. He spoils all 5 of his grandsons with love, food, and trips to the store to buys toys.

My dad is the kind of dad who will finish an entire puzzle, put together an elaborate toy, and go to the park for a catch or to fly a kite. He makes sure that his complete attention is devoted to his family as much as he possibly can.

When I go to visit my parent’s house, I can expect my dad to make me my favorite dishes. I can actually smell the potatoes o’gratin right now.

He has always been about making the small gestures mean the most for all of us… especially for my sister and I. We are Daddy’s Little Girls after all. He has always been so proud of all of our accomplishments in life. He (along with our mother) is our biggest cheerleader.

So many years have passed since he would sing to me and put me to bed, but I can still hear him singing every time he hugs me.

“You’re sugar, you’re spice. You’re everything nice. And you’re Daddy’s Little Girl.”