In every corner of the world across continents and cultures, a Father is a Father. Despite our differences, there are some things that connect us all. We may deny it from now until forever, but it will not change the truth. When a Father holds his child in his arms for the first time, that feeling is universal. When a Father dances with his daughter at her wedding the joy he feels is the same for every Father.
As a daughter who has lost her Father, I know that someone out there way on the other side of the world feels the same gaping hole in their heart. If we could look beyond what we believe is our obvious differences and embrace our all so obvious similarities, maybe, just maybe, we could learn to live together in peace. Maybe.
This Father's Day, I am breaking down the walls and reaching across our differences to wish all the Fathers in the World a Happy Father's Day; because, somebody, somewhere loves and appreciates your love and your sacrifices more than you know.
To my Dad, Daddy, I miss you. Though the years have lessened the degree of the pain I felt when you first left, your absence is still felt just as strong as the day you left. I thank you for the years that I will never forget. I still remember your voice, your laughter, your love and your unwavering devotion to our family. I smile when I remember the little things that you did with us as kids. How can I not miss such a strong presence that was ours to share across 3 generations? When you left I was way past the age of being your little girl, but just like you never stopped referring to me as, your "Little Girl," I will never stop calling you my Daddy. You were not better than the rest, in my eyes, you will always be the best.
For all the little girls and boys who danced on their father's toes: This one is for you.
