Forever a Daddy's Girl

Dear Daddy,

Growing up, I knew how lucky I was to have you as my Dad, but now, as an adult, I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that you are the best Dad that a girl could ever hope for, and I am the luckiest girl in the entire world.

As I go through the most trying of times, I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am for your endless love, support and sacrifice. I’m tearing up as I write this, because I truly have no idea where I would be if it weren’t for you. You are giving and generous with everyone you love, and while some may not truly appreciate all you do or have done for them, I will always, always be grateful for all that you do. And you do a lot!

I’m definitely an emotional wreck at times (HA!), but no matter what, you always listen and help me through it. There is nobody else who can make me cry by just simply asking me how I’m doing. Not to worry though, this is a good thing; it means that I know I’m in a safe place and the flood gates can open.

I may not be the daughter that inherited your humour and incredibly quick wit, but I did inherit your love of taking photos and capturing life’s moments. Think about all the countless hours we’ve spent over the years looking through our photo collection...now in boxes that are way too heavy to carry! So many memories!

If it weren’t for you, Rio and I would not have the love and appreciation for music that we do. I think I speak for both of when I say that, we could not even imagine growing up in an environment that didn’t always have music playing. One day, if I am fortunate enough to find my forever love, I so look forward to dancing to “our song” at my wedding. Speaking of marriage, any man who chooses to spend their life with me, will also be the luckiest dude to have you as their father-in-law!

I want to make sure that you know how loved and appreciated you are, not just today, but every day. Thank you for being you, and thank you for always being there for me and taking care of our family.

I am so proud to be your daughter!

I love you.

Xoxo

Dear Mom

I originally published this blog post in 2016, but everything I wrote is as true today as it was two years ago, so I thought that I would share it again.

I know I don’t say this often enough, or maybe even ever, but from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for always, always, always being there for me the way no person ever has been or ever will be. You have been right by my side through the very worst of times, and the very best.

Thank you for listening to me talk a situation to death for hours on end with no judgement or criticism, but with compassion and empathy, like only a mother can. You have never stopped believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I will forever associate the saying, “You go girl!” with you.

Thank you for always being honest with me. I may not want to hear it, but you know it’s what I need to hear. I might even act like a total brat at times, raise my voice and take my frustrations out on you, and for that I am sorry, but perhaps it’s easier for me to do that because I know that no matter what, you love me unconditionally.

You are the most selfless, caring, hardworking, kind and (one of the) funniest people I know. I know how much you and dad have sacrificed in order to give Rio and I the best life possible.

Mom, you are my best friend. Thank you for your continuous support throughout whatever life throws at me (a lot of hard balls in recent years), and for never hindering my growth and for giving me wings to fly. I can only hope that one day I will be the kind of mother you are.

Thank you for everything you do. Happy Mother’s Day. I love you.