Father is too formal

The term father.... it's too formal. I didn't have a father. Father's are corporate businessmen in suits and ties who parent their cell phones and provide for their children only monetarily. That's how the term father feels, to me.  No... I didn't have a father.

I had a daddy.

and oh, how I LOVED him!

My daddy took me camping... he taught me how to fish... he taught me how to drive... he cooked great steak and baked potatoes! He loved sweet tea and Dr. Pepper. He had wrinkles at the corners of his eyes from smiling, all the time. He loved hunting. I loved going hunting with him. We laid in the back of the truck and counted stars together. We'd have in depth conversations about current events. We'd watch 20/20 and 48 Hours together and talk about the things we'd seen. We'd drive backroads and count deer and take in the sunset, and analyze its beauty. He was the breath in my soul, the beat in my heart. A huge part of me died inside when he left this Earth.

He died 18 years ago, last month. How is it possible that my heart continues to beat without him? I've been so blessed with a new family... a husband who reminds me of my father in every possible way... a large extended family of sisters and brothers and nephews... All to help fill the void that he has left. They do a wonderful job, but there's still such a dark void inside that will never be completely filled. He meant just that much to me.

Happy Daddy's Day, to the absolute biggest hero, best friend, first love of my life. You're my reason for everything. I love you, and I miss you tremendously.