Up Front - Thanking God for all little girls’ daddies

Emily Plihal
Express staff

About once each month I get the opportunity to be sappy. Not just sappy, I suppose, but outwardly and extraordinarily mushy.

This week I have the opportunity to thank the Heaven’s above (I’ll extend this to each religious belief... Whatever after-life you believe in), for all the dads in the world, who are as fantastic as my dad.

Now, would I say my dad was perfect? Sorry dad, but no, you are not. But to me, you are the perfect dad.

Since I was a very small child, I remember you always taking a few minutes out of your super busy schedule for me.

Out of all my childhood memories, our trips behind McLennan for a picnic or planting a garden together outweigh whatever negative there could have been.

(Okay, so I didn’t really plant the garden... I just threw the potatoes at you!)

There is something to be said about the foundation built when parents spend quality time with their children.

I am 26-years-old, and to this day, my favourite moments are the time I get to spend with my parents (and step-parents).

Every spring and fall season, I have the amazing opportunity of working closely with my dad in our (well technically his) outfitting business. I love doing the primary baiting with him, because I have the opportunity of spending countless hours with my favourite man in my favourite location... the outdoors (better known as my church).

I still learn so many things from my dad. Among many of my “talents”, dad taught me how to skin a bear, moose, and deer, pluck and breast waterfowl, and many other life skills that could benefit my life if there is ever a MAJOR economic recession.

My dad has taught me to brush the hateful words (which I seem to attract, due to a very strong opinion) off my back. He always told me, if people make rude remarks or seem to be outwardly trying to make your life horrible, it’s probably because they’re jealous of your determination and hard work.

Whenever I see a dad walking down the street with their little girl, it reminds me of the days when my dad had to mark diploma exams in Edmonton. Our family would always spend the time in Edmonton with him. While my dad worked, my sisters and I would shop for school clothes, visit museums, and spend time sauntering around Edmonton with my mom.

When we’d meet up for supper, my dad would sling me onto his shoulders and carry me to our destination.

I pride myself on growing up as “daddy’s little girl.” It would hurt me when I was younger, because I would hear so much negative about my dad.

He was a school teacher in the area for nearly 30 years, so of course parents and students would have something negative to say pertaining to their child’s marks or some other minor detail.

However; I never really understood why these people could be so rude about such a fantastic man.

As I grew up though, I realized every individual makes their own opinion about life and those they meet. I feel sorry for the people who never gave my dad a chance. You really missed out on knowing a very knowledgeable, considerate, hard-working man.

To my dad, thank you for being you! For you and all the other great dad’s in the world, Happy Father’s Day!

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