Grandpa — A Southern Fairytale

Daddy's Hands

My Daddy Playing His Banjo While He Was Here For Monkey’s Birthday

Banjo Music, BlueGrass Music it resonates from my Daddy’s very being

The music is joyful, lively, powerful, passionate and full of pain, laughter, struggles and emotion

It is the music of my father

The joy that I see in his face as he strums his banjo , as his fingers dance on the strings

strumming, plucking, fumbling, finding their way

bringing forth the notes that make up the music of his childhood, his legacy

Joy swells in my heart, pride overwhelms the tears that tickle my eyes

happiness and peace settle on me as I listen and my heart beats with the rhythm of the strings

“Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love …..
In Daddy´s hands.”

~ Holly Dunn

I wrote this last year for my Dad’s birthday and it is still true today

You were the first man in my life, the measure against which every boy was held.
*found one!*
You taught me about life and parenting through laughter and love.
I have grown and learned the most, not from your perfection, but your imperfections.

You showed me that embracing your faults as well as your strengths and using both is where true strength of character is found.
You held my hand and cheered me on, even when you knew I was making the wrong choices.
Thank you for never saying, “I told you so”
Thank you for simply picking me up and gently nudging me towards the realizations of what went wrong, and how to choose more wisely the next time.
Thank you for helping me to realize that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, or you’ll never make it through in one piece.
You have helped me to see the importance of friendship, independence, laughter, love and knowledge.
You taught me to stand on my own two feet, but also to know that it is just as important to know how to ask for help and lean on others when it is necessary.
You were, and still are, the best father any little girl could ever wish for.
Because of you, I chose the most amazing man to spend my life with.

Because of you, I have no silly ideas of a smooth, perfect marriage…where would the fun be in that?

Instead, I know to embrace our difficulties, stand strong together and love with all that I am. I know to accept both of our imperfections and choose my battles. I know that keeping my own identity is important not only for the strength of my marriage, but for my children too.
I was blessed to find a man with your best qualities and because of that, I know that Princess is being raised by the best kind of man possible. She will grow up stronger, more independent and never doubting that she’s loved.
Thank you for all the gifts you’ve given me, the best of which is you.

Happy Birthday Daddy. I hope it’s a wonderful day.
I love you so much!!

Then, Now and Always,

young-me