Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Life seldom turns out the exact way you want it to. But it does usually turn out better than you ever hoped.

Growing up I longed for a father. Someone who cared. Someone who was proud of me. Someone who noticed me. I grew up lonely and feeling unloved. Sure I had friends. Sure I had some family. None of that would fill the emptiness though. Giving up on that fairytale came easy the older I got, and soon I would develop a horrible anger and bitterness that was often encouraged by others around me. I was so confused and untaught about what was really true.

I got married and a bit later moved away with every intention of never having to ever try, never having to dream, or never hope again for a real relationship with my ‘father.’

Long story very short....HE changed and HE had a completely different hope!!

What has developed since then has been the most AHmazing journey. You just can’t make this kind of redemption up on your own.

Today is one (of a few) of my favorite days of the year!! Today we celebrate the birth of this inspiring man! He isn’t perfect, but then again who is?!

He has taught me how to stumble and fall, but to get back up again and again.

He has taught me how to fight hard with the right armor for the things that matter most.

He has taught me how to serve our family and others with unmeasurable love.

He has taught me how to recover from a mistake when it seems impossible. That there is always, always a way to keep going.

He has taught me that there comes a time when trying on your own just isn’t enough.

He has taught me that everyone has a story...and without really knowing someone’s story firsthand, you can never truly understand or love them.

He has taught me that you don’t have to agree on every single thing said or done to have a healthy relationship...you just have to always want grace to win over judgments and disagreements!!

Most of all he has taught me that perfection isn’t possible, but being as authentic of a version of yourself as you can be is. And it will cost you things, people, and heartache...but what you will gain is so much more and irreplaceable!

Happy Birthday Daddy.
I’m so grateful you were created! I hope you always remember how special and approved you are. And that it doesn’t get any better than to just keep trying to grow every single day we still have breathe. May you have many many more chances to share your smile, your love, your faith, and your story with those you’re meant to!!

I Love You Always, Always...As Big As The Sky!