This is dedicated to my Dad....He is the best Dad in the world. I want to take this opportunity to let you meet my Dad. My Dad when I was little, would walk in the door, and me in my playpen playing away would begin to cry until Dad picked me up. Dad would grab and hug me, and hold me, because putting me down would cause me to cry...hmmm...think I was spoiled. Spoiled with the love of this man. He would sing to me and talk to me from day one, and I never forgot that. Dad had a sixth sense about him, that was really eerie growing up. He had this way of showing up just as I was thinking of doing something I shouldn't. It was wild. Dad never missed a piano recital, a pta  meeting, a church function, a school play, a birthday,or any holilday. Any event I participated in you could find both my mom and dad sitting in the audience. He entered me into way to many talent shows. He thought I was the only kid in the world that could sing and he was proud of it. Thank goodness American Idol wasn't around when I was growing up, Dad would have placed me in it. I took piano from Mrs. Jasper from the day I could climb up on the stool. When I was a teenager, and making my plans for college, Dad asked me to major in music...I wish I had a million times, but thinking I knew what was best for me went to college and majored in Business, which I used time and time again and still use. I never was happy with that so went back to college to become a teacher, and taught education for awhile, then went back to college and became a nurse which I really loved. Dad supported me in all my decisions, but I knew he knew if she had majored in music she would be set for life. Dad gave me my nickname "tarbaby" because in the summer I would be a toe-head that was dark...I tanned with no problems at all...never needed coppertone or fear of burning. I also loved to make mud pies....and played in mud all the time. Dad never got upset, Mom would because she had to bathe me, but Dad thought everything I did was funny. I was the middle child...I had an older sister and a younger brother...still do. Dad never made us feel like we had to compete for his love. It was a great feeling...although my sister and I fought all the time....and Dad would just tell us we would wish we hadn't when we grew up.

My Dad is a Marine through and through...every Saturday night we would polish our shoes, bathe, curl hair, and stand inspection come Sunday Morning before going to church. One time my Dad went to the store and bought me a new Sunday dress for Easter...he brought it home...it was a semi-formal...I hated that dress...but Mom told me I had to wear it...it was a special gift from Dad...I wore it...people loved it...but I knew they were laughing at me, or at least I thought so.

Dad told me if I went into music in college he would buy me a brand new baby white Grand Piano and have my name engraved on it in gold. He would have too. He was great. I was  a stupid teen. He told me recently he wanted me to have the piano in the living room when he passed. He always loved to hear me play.

When I was little I would crawl out my bedroom window and go sleep on my friend Mr. Kaski's porch.Mr. Kaski would call Dad, and Dad would come over and carry me back to my bed to sleep.

Vacations were an experience with Dad. We were a tent camping family. Dad would get 3 weeks every year. One week we would spend on a history trip. No wonder we lived in Williamsburg, Virginia...with Colonial Williamsburg within walking distance and Jamestown and Yorktown near by.The other two weeks of vacation were spent either at Nagshead, NC or at a camping spot...our favorite being Hanging Rock, NC.  One time when I was a teen Dad said for me to invite a friend for dinner...meaning one of the park rangers (jr) ....there were 3...I asked one...Mom asked one...Dad asked the other...I had 3 dates that night...we still laugh about that. Although it was fun...and pretty safe dating. One time I walked home from a park dance and brought a guy to meet Dad, because he wanted to take me for a soda...I stressed to this guy how strict my Dad was all the way home and I wasn't sure he would let me...we walked in the house....I said "Dad I have someone for you to meet"...he returns with "ok...let me grab my shot gun"....the guy ran out the door and I never saw him again...I guess I stressed strict a little to much...lol.

When at college Dad called and asked me to bring my roommate home for the weekend...anyway to get me home...I brought home my roommate, she was a little on the hefty side...but she was a great roommate. Dad made pancakes for breakfast...placed the pancakes on the breakfast platter and put them down in front of her...she ate all the pancakes...Dad not missing a beat...said.."Anyone else want pancakes?" all the time making another batch. He taught me how to make pancakes.

On my wedding day...Dad walked me down the aisle ...and the picture I have of him...is one never to be forgotten....He had this look on his face that screamed if anyone here hurts my girl...they will have me to answer to...no smile...very stern. He tells me now that was the hardest day of his life. He doesn't understand why the Dad has to give his daughter away. It took him awhile to realize I wasn't gone for good.

Today, Dad and I have a great relationship, and I will do anything for him to make his life a bit easier. I not only love this man, I respect who he has always been. Any man can be a Father, but it takes a very special man to be "DADDY"....

Thank you all for allowing me to share with you the love I have for this man....

Love and God Bless you all....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THOSE DAD'S IN THE WORLD HERE ON GRAB...

(FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 15TH WHICH IS NEXT SUNDAY)