By Nicole Smith
There’s no doubt about it. I’m a Daddy’s Girl through and through. I’ve always taken pride in tacking on an “I’m Alan’s daughter!” when introducing myself to someone who I thought might know him.
I’ve always had a special relationship with my Dad. When I was little, we’d sit together for hours and watch old Looney Tunes or Tom & Jerry cartoons. I’d make little snack plates and sandwiches (apparently, I put exactly the right amount of mayo on his sandwiches… Although, I think he may have told me that just so I’d make them and he wouldn’t have to!!) and we’d just be there in our own little world, enjoying time together.
Dad loved my long hair and was 1000% against me getting any kind of drastic cut. When I was 8, unbeknownst to him, my Mom took me in and let me choose how I wanted it cut. “If the boys can choose their haircut, so can you” was her reasoning. I chose an incredibly short style. When I got home, I immediately regretted it! I should have listened to Dad. I’m not sure if I was more upset that all of my hair was gone or because I knew he would not be happy with it—probably an equal amount of both. Needless to say, I let it grow back out. Then I let him do the big snip when I went short again at the age of 21!
I would often get to accompany him on work trips, which always meant good food and usually a show! We’d go see a Fayetteville Force hockey game, Christmas shows at the Carolina Opry or Alabama Theater, and go on all kinds of adventures! Although we could not have gone out and done a thing, and I still would have loved every minute of my time with him.
My Dad knows me as well as anybody. He knows what gets to me, how I’ll react, and how to calm me down if need be. He has picked me up when I’ve fallen more times than I can count and will drop anything to help me if I need it.
We’ve worked together for almost 14 years. So long that being in close quarters is no issue. We know which direction the other will go, what they’re going to do when they get there, and where they’ll go next. I still look forward to going to work, even if the only reason is that I know I’ll get to see my Dad.
I consider myself extremely blessed to have the relationship with him that I do. I am grateful every day that I get to be his daughter. He’s strong (I swear even more than a man twice his size!), wise, patient, and always puts others before himself. There will never come a time when I don’t point to him and proudly say, “That’s my Dad!”.
So, today, I want to say thank you for every single thing you’ve ever done for me and for every memory we’ve created together. From mudslinging in that purple jeep in the fields behind the house to the hundreds of piano duets we’ve played, I cherish every moment. I hope you have at least a tiny idea of just how much I love you! Happy Father’s Day!
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