I think it was my Junior year in college that I was feeling pretty down about not having a boyfriend. Valentine’s Day was coming up and I had the usual feelings of “I hate this holiday”. The dorm was doused in red hearts and everyone (at least it seemed like everyone) had a significant other.
V-Day finally rolled around and I grumbled through most of the day feeling sorry for myself. Late in the afternoon I got back from class and headed to check for mail. I pulled out a wonderful little slip of paper that said I had a package. (Package slips were the best thing to get in your mailbox.) I went to the desk to get my package and Cindy the secretary brought out a bouquet of beautiful flowers. A couple girls were walking past and came over to check them out. They asked me who they were from and I said honestly that I didn’t know. More people gathered… I opened the card. It said:
“Happy Valentine’s Day! To my favorite daughter. Love, Dad”
Collectively we all sighed “awww”. At that moment I realized that maybe I didn’t have a boyfriend because of my dad. My dad had set such a high standard for me. He always treated my mom so well and with such respect. I knew that I wanted that and not just some stupid boy.
Luckily I waited and didn’t settle. Now I’m married to my best friend who is more like my dad than I care to admit. But I’m so thankful to my Dad…my very first Valentine.
Your dad is awesome, and so am I…that’s just one of the things we have in common.