But, not everyone is blessed to have a Daddy. I have a very special kind.
My Daddy didn't have that "you slipped into my arms and into my heart" kind of moment. I wasn't a perfect sweet little newborn when he met me. He had a different kind of introduction to fatherhood.
Not only did two little girls invade his house, but the oldest (me) was stubborn, smart, and a terror. Not always, but a lot.
But, my dad never lost his temper, never gave up, and constantly loved me. He made sure I knew he was going to love me no matter what, and he never abandoned me. Most 6 year olds don't worry about their father abandoning them (unless of course he has), but I did.
My Daddy is one of the most mild mannered, sensitive, "keep his cool" kind of guy I know. Even when he would discipline us, he never let his anger control him and we could tell it was killing him inside. I don't believe most parents when they say "this hurts me more than you", but for him I think it probably hurt just as much.
Despite the fact that my Daddy is not biological, I've never felt otherwise. In fact, sometimes I really do forget that I'm adopted. I forget that he missed out on the first 6 years of my life and to him I'm really only 19. I forget that I didn't get my blue eyes from him, or my stubborn will. I forget that he didn't get to experience the bonding with a precious newborn, like I did with my daughter.
I am amazed at the love he has shown me despite all of those things he didn't get to experience. He loved me just the same. As if he did bond with me as a newborn and watch me grow. He picked up the pieces of my brokenness and put them back together. He made sure I knew how a man was supposed to care for his family. He made sure that I knew I deserved to be treated better.
My Daddy wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for me. God knew that. I don't think it was God's plan (from the beginning) for my birth parents to destroy their lives' and those of their children, but it was his plan to provide me with Amazing parents when they did.
I am thankful for my heavenly Daddy who has carried me through it all.
I am thankful for my Daddy as well as my Daddy in love. These men have been consistent and have loved me through a lot, and now I get to watch them love and adore my sweet little girl. I get to watch them be Papa's. Definitely a title they both carry well. I am thankful that they are such great examples for my daughter. That she will know how boys and eventually men should treat her.
I am thankful for my husband who has been an amazing daddy, and has grown so much in the past 15 months. This girl of ours has stretched him and blessed him beyond his wildest dreams. Not only will she have a great example in her Papa's, but her Daddy will be the best example of all.
