Daddy’s Little Girl

It was Monday, April 26, 1953, when dad’s bundle of joy arrived in this world. She was described in the local newspaper as everything he dreamed of…. a beautiful, healthy, little girl! From the moment I was born, I was the “apple of his eye.” It was all about me. I was the first and only daughter!

This will be the second year without my dad on Father’s Day. Since my mom’s passing 34 years ago, my dad and I had become extremely close. I used to say, how could I ever live without my dad? He was my only parent, my rock, my confidant, my friend, my supporter. The man I counted on for everything, and I knew he would be there for me……..always!  Dad was a war hero, a fighter pilot, an advertising executive, a talented writer, a professor. A lover of family, photography, gardening, fancy cars, traveling, golfing, teaching, children, dogs, giving speeches and toasts at weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, birthdays, and lamb chops……a kind, gentle man who never liked conflict.I have fond memories of my dad when I was a little girl. He adored me, as I adored him. He was always very protective of me. He sacrificed everything. He taught me values, life’s lessons, how to ride a bike, how to drive a car (stick shift), helped me with my homework, read to me, kissed me and tucked me into bed every night. I looked up to my dad. He was my hero and could do no wrong. He was there to stop me from diverting down the wrong path and to guide me on the road to success and virtue. He was a very bright man who felt a good education and family were most important.Dad always worked hard. He was a partner in an advertising agency for a number of years until he opened his own advertising agency in Boston. Working long hours and being involved in so many things didn’t stop him from going back to school to get a Master’s Degree in Higher Education. He became an adjunct professor in a number of colleges in Boston. He was a Jack of All Trades, yet most importantly, he was a kind, loving man, who gave of himself to everyone he cared about.

I am thrilled to say, that I fulfilled a life long dream of my dad’s; to walk me down the aisle at my wedding. Although I married for the first time later in life, I finally found my soulmate and dad was ecstatic. He had spent years meeting this guy and that guy and he would often say, “Just pick one!” It was one of the happiest days of his life. He no longer had to worry about his little girl being alone.

Dad, you are finally back with the love of your life, mom. You were the best dad anyone could ever ask for. You are missed every day of my life! I love you so very much. May you rest in peace dear dad!