Father's Day 2011: My Two Dads

Last year I did a Mother's Day post. This year I'll do a Father's Day post.

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.  ~John Gregory Brown

I am, for all intents and purposes, a Daddy's girl. Always have been, I won't even try to deny it. However, I think I am in quite a unique situation when it comes to my dad(s), you see I have two, Dad and Dad 2 (my stepdad). My mother remarried about 11 years ago and ever since I've had two dads.

Now, had you asked me about my family situation at 10, 13, 15, 18-years-old, I would have told you something crazy that an angry and confused teenager would say. However, I like to think that I've gotten a little wiser with age. I realize that both my fathers are a blessing on my life. I really truly need both of them to be successful in life and have needed both of them to get where I am today.

Darrell Mitchell and I just playing around in the web cam.

Dwight Joy Sr. and the little people fishing.

They taught me to always speak and practice the truth. To make my bed everyday. To respect my mothers (same situation in reverse, mom and stepmom). To get an oil change on time. To keep my grades as a first priority. To take care and be a role model for all six of my siblings. That growing pains were a part of life. To value hard work. To live with honor and integrity. And to accept responsibility for my actions. But most importantly, they taught me how to love and what real love is like. They taught me that you sacrifice for the ones you love and never ever ever quit or give up. They pushed me and always expected the best from me. They gave constantly, even though I rarely appreciated it. And they NEVER EVER left me behind or let me down.

Today, I salute them and everything they have done, do, and will do for me. I love you both. Happy Father's Day.

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.  ~Clarence Budington Kelland