Who's Your Daddy?

My father has never been active or even present in my life. His absence has never been a constant thought or concern that plagued my mind because truth is, it's hard to miss something I've never had. Besides, I was raised by two parents... a great mother and an extraordinary Grandma.

I have a Soror who's dad adores her. I can tell by how he posts embarrassing childhood pictures on Facebook & posts messages on her wall about how much he loves her. Last summer, my Pastor contributed a beautiful article to the church newsletter about his love for his daughter as she was preparing to "leave the nest" and wed her fiance'. One of the reasons I remember falling in love with my son's dad is because I was so impressed by his relationship & interactions with his daughter. And I watch my brother in law with his 3 girls & am so thankful that my neices have such an awesome dad who gives them such unconditional & immeasurable love. He would literally walk through fire just to wish them well. There is something so special & beautiful about a relationship between a father and his daughter.

My mom's husband (who is deceased) and I never had a really good relationship either. But growing up, I was a major tomboy and played basketball in my neighborhood every single day. I will never forget, there was this one particular day that he put on his sneakers (a man who only wore cowboy boots)& went outside to the basketball court & actually played basketball with me. In that one moment, for about 30 minutes of my young life, I felt like his daughter or like I had a dad.

I've played in numerous basketball games & my dad has never witnessed my 3 point shot. I've graduated from 5th grade, high school, college and will again graduate with my Master's degree but he's never seen me in a cap and gown. He's not around to watch my son grow from a boy to a man just as he wasn't around to watch me grow from a girl to a woman. When I get married, he won't be there to walk me down the aisle. I realize that it is all his loss and instead of feeling sorry for myself, I feel sorry for him.

I write this blog today because Sunday is Father's Day. Despite the fact that I've never been able to celebrate this day with or for my biological father, I give all praise, glory, honor and thanks to my Heavenly Father who has always provided, always protected, & always given me unconditional love. He's been present at every basketball game & graduation, watched & assisted me in growing from a girl to a woman, gives me guidance on raising my son from a boy to a man, and when I get married, He will be there to walk me down the aisle. I may not "know" my biological dad well or have a relationship with him but what a blessing to know and have a relationship with my Heavenly Father!

I AM my daddy's girl... Who's your Daddy??!!