Who’s Ur Daddy?

Happy belated Father’s Day to all of the dads out there. I had a special relationship with my dad that wasn’t always peachy. My parents divorced when I was young and my mom moved to Tennessee with me and my sister. I don’t really remember it. I just remember coordinating summer visits to see my dad in Houston. They were around 19 or 20 years old when they became parents. When I think about a single, 27 year old dude preparing to have his 7 year old for a month in the summer, I can only imagine the insta-change in his lifestyle for that month.

I was a daddy’s girl. My mom married several more times and by the time I was 10 or 11 years old, I decided that I was not going back to Tennessee after my summer visit. I overheard my parents on the phone saying that it was just a phase and the best plan was to pretend they would let me live with him full time. They were sure that I would go running back to my mom in a matter of weeks. Well, I didn’t and he suddenly had a new role as single dad with a full time daughter. He crushed it. We grocery shopped, cooked, did our monthly budget and did life together. He eventually remarried and I am still close with my step brother and sister. We had a blast. Our house was the fun house. I now realize it was probably because our parents were 10 years younger than everyone else and way more tolerant with loud teenagers.

My dad was tough on me. He made me work as soon as anyone would hire me. I was a life guard, on junior staff at the roller rink and even had a paper route. Thank goodness. I am most comfortable working and confident in my ability to take care of myself. I did not always appreciate it, but I get it now.

My dad had cancer and passed away several years ago. We were not on great terms when he passed away. I wish that were different but there isn’t anything I can do about that now. If you are a dad, there isn’t anything that should keep you from loving and being there for your kids. If you are a son or daughter, find the forgiveness and grace to love your dad until the end. We are all here for such a short period of time. Cherish every second.

Cheers to all of the dads. I hope you all had a fantastic Father’s Day!

XX,

MG

TEA IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD