Like I’ve
said before, my dad and I are close. I am a prime example of Daddy’s Girl and I
embrace that with every fiber of my being. During these past couple of months
my dad and I have done breakfast every week. Some weeks that was with other
members of the family, others it was just him and me. This past week we did something a little
different. We still went to Ted’s Bulletin but this time we went for dessert.
He got a huge chocolate cake. I got the smoothest piece of banana cream pie I
have ever had. We spent an hour and a half just chatting and being together. I
always smile a lot with this man. He is amazing and so wise. He is the biggest
influence on my life.
I could
never show as much appreciation for my father as I would want to. He is
phenomenal. He pushed me to do so much including learning to read before I
started school and learning how to drive a car. We have an amazing relationship
and I really believe sports has a huge hand to play in it.
Both of my
sisters and I have always played sports. We started when we were young and it
kept with us throughout our childhood. The difference is we all played for
different reasons. My older sister played because her friends played. My younger
sister played because my mom said she had to. I played because I wanted to be
even closer with my dad. Of course I loved playing. I wouldn’t have played
soccer for over 13 years if that wasn’t the case. There is something about
taking part in sports that brings people together.
Going
through the process of learning a sport (playing or just the rules) has a way
of bringing people together that you don’t really get with much else. My dad
was the coach of my older sister’s soccer team for a couple of years and I was
jealous. I thought she was going to get closer to him than I was. So I brought
him outside and had him help me practice. I had him teach me things like
headers. I had him play tough so I could become a better defender. He was the
reason I loved the game so much, especially at the beginning.
I thank
sports and I thank my dad for making me the person I am today. The combined
efforts have taught me about being a better person and having a strong work
ethic. I know what it takes to be part of a team. I know about the importance
of hard work and commitment.
I graduate
in a couple weeks and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. No matter
what, as long as I have sports and, more importantly, as long as I have my dad,
I can do anything. I can take on anything that comes my way. That’s pretty cool
if you ask me. Bring it.
J
