Daddy's Little Girl

Playtime. Tickling us until we couldn’t breathe. Pushing us on the swings. Pretending to be a train so we could ride on his back around the house. Wrestling with us and letting us win. Racing us across the backyard. Teaching us badminton, tennis, and golf.

My daddy. After he came home from a long day (smelling like chocolate—yum!—one of the benefits of being an engineer for Godiva and R.M. Palmer), he would still make time for us. Every child needs a parent who will be silly and forget the world of grown-ups even if only for a few minutes each day. Our moments with dad held us over as we got older and his job got more intense, requiring long hours and weekends when we no longer had time with him at all.

As the years go by, I cherish my childhood memories, especially as I think of what’s important to my own children. My dad worked hard and taught us to do the same. Having struggled through his own childhood and working three jobs to put himself through college while learning English at the same time, he showed us that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and achieve our dreams.

Despite the lack of time he had for us as we got older and the endless arguments and stress we caused him when we were teens, we knew that he loved us because he laid the foundation for a solid relationship with each of us when we were little.

It doesn’t matter how old I get, I know I’ll always be daddy’s little girl. He still wants what’s best for me and he’s not afraid to give me his honest opinion every chance he gets. And for that, I’m extremely grateful. Being a parent isn’t about being a buddy; it’s about making difficult choices and guiding your children especially when you see their decisions are leading them down a path that might not be best for them.

To my daddy: Boldog Apák Napját kivánok, Apu! Thank you for being the best. (Szeretlek most és mindig!!!!)

To all dads, grandpas, uncles, and men who play a positive role in the lives of children—Happy Father’s Day! Always remember, if you touch the life of a child even if just for a moment, you have made a significant impact.

Man, Father, Daddy

A man is a boy, though older and wiser.
With no strings attached, life is his oyster.

A father is a figurehead,
A person who gave you life and kept you fed.
His presence, whether permanent or fleeting,
Often feels no warmer than a stranger’s greeting.

A daddy kisses boo-boos, makes pain go away,
Cops and robbers, catch, and tea party he’ll play.
He lends an ear or two whenever you need it;
There’s always a spot on his shoulder for tears when you’re defeated.
Daddies are strong, strict, and they’ll tell you whose boss,
But they’re great big teddy bears, who won’t let you get lost.

As the years go by and childhood fades,
He’ll forget you’re an adult and long for easier days,
Times filled with laughter, silliness, and singing
Instead of cars, proms, college, and weddings.
He’s tough as a nail, soft as marshmallow,
But you can always count on him for he’s never hollow.

Men, understand this reality—
A new generation lies in your hands of responsibility.
You’re so much more than a father ever can be
When you grow from a man and become a daddy.

Happy “Daddy’s” Day!

To my Apuka ~ You showed me what it meant to work hard, have fun, and love with all of my heart unconditionally. I hope one day my kids will learn the same from me. Most es mindig, sok szeretettel gondolok rad. Puszi, A.

To my man ~ Thank you for trying your hardest to be the best daddy every day. Parenting is by far the toughest challenge we’ve faced together, but it’s also the most rewarding. I love you!