Hey everybody!
Today's my birthday! While I normally space out personal posts here on the blog (who wants to just read all about my life on the daily???), I HAD to post this extremely special gift I received from Ellie last night. It started when I got home to a little note taped to the door... Clue #1. After running around deciphering the clues I was led to a framed, hand-lettered (by Ellie, of course) note. I couldn't get through it without tearing up.
Being a dad is my favorite job... the most important of the many hats I wear on a daily basis. Sometimes I let the devil get inside me and feed me thoughts of insecurity about how I'm doing as a dad, especially one that doesn't get to see Ellie every day. I think that made this message even more special to me. When Ellie and I are together, we're thick as thieves... completely inseparable... totally wrapped into each other's world. We have such a special relationship and she's more like me than she realizes now at just 10 years old. When we're not together, I'm constantly going... be it traveling, shooting, running around like a chicken with my head cut off doing all my "daily grind" things, etc. I wrote on here once about "being present" when it's time to be with your kiddos, and it's still my main goal that Ellie time is Ellie time (and Cece time is Cece time, etc.).
"Daddy,
On your 35th birthday I want to share what you mean to me...
You mean so much to me, life without you would be HORRIBLE! You are always on my mind, even when we are far apart. When we are together, we are so much alike. We are both stinkin' hilarious! We are both very smart. We both love to cook and I love it when you cook for me. You make me feel pretty, like I can do anything. You are always encouraging me. When I grow up, I want to be silly just like you.
Happy Birthday!
I love you,
Ellie (age 10)"
Talk to you soon,
Dale