Did I ever tell you you're my hero...

I can remember racing to the store to pick out the perfect card or purchasing a "dust collector" every year growing up for my dad.  Those cards seemed to say what I was feeling at the time.  But as I have grown and even had a child of my own, I realize that someone else's words can't take the place of mine.   My Dad.  Mike Brantley.  It's really hard to describe someone you honestly believe hung the moon. Someone that made sure I was safe every night growing up and worked so hard so that I could have "things".  Someone that would give his right arm to anyone who needed it. Someone that loves his family with his whole heart.  Adjectives can't allow one to feel what I have always known.

According to the dictionary,  a hero is someone noted for courageous acts or nobility of character. A person who has special achievements, abilities, personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.  The principal male character in a story.  The next line should simply read Mike Brantley.

My dad served his country and is a veteran of the Army National Guard. He knowingly signed up and put himself in harms way to protect his country.  I used to hate those weekends or weeks in the summer when he would have to go to "drill".  I never really understood it until I got pulled out of class as a Freshman in high school and was told he was being activated into war.  Then it got real.   But he went and served and never complained. My dad is my role model.  His simple life is one that should be written about and sold as a layout for success.  He works soooo hard and without declaration and reward. It's how he was taught and it's what he taught me. If I can convey even half of the lessons to my son, I will be successful. 

Sometimes life truly sucks. It's consuming and constricting and debilitating. And while I know my dad experiences frustration, pain and disappointment, he doesn't complain and dwell there. He doesn't live in misery. He simply finds a solution and moves on.  When I have gone astray and did my own thing, or gotten into a mess, he's never said I told you so.  He's never criticized me for my wrongdoing.  Notice I didn't say discipline. I got my fair share of that growing up. But even as an adult, I've never heard I told you so. He just met me where I was and built me up, teaching me yet another lesson I really couldn't/didn't convey at that time.  When my marriage fell apart and I had to learn to live as a single mom, my dad was so supportive. He and my mom guided me and helped me get back on my feet. 

So you see, I truly have the most amazing parents. I am lucky to have two people that love me unconditionally. 

This isn't a Hallmark card.  There is no use of adjectives and eloquent rhymes.  It's just real.  My dad has always been my hero and he always will be. People laugh when they hear the phrase, "daddy's little girl", but I assure it exists.  He taught me to fish and to change oil and I when I talk to him or watch him work, I get to see/hear my grandma through him. And well that's enough for me. I don't need things, I need him. Thank you dad for being who you are and never straying from that. I haven't always liked what I have been told, but know I have listened and I did learn. I'm excited for AJ to get to learn from his papa too!

Happy Father's Day!