Cheers to the Fathers!

So today is Father's Day and I have a something to be grateful for; all the dad's in my life. That makes it sound as though my mom had numerous husbands, she didnt, I had numerous dads. They all influenced my life in some way or another...
My biological dad is considered a deadbeat dad by most, and in all actuality he was never there when I needed him, he never paid child support, and he enjoyed spending his time at the bars more then with his own daughters. He has been in and out of our lives throughout it and we often went months without hearing from him. He made mistakes that a father's child will never forget, I know I won't. But I do not hold his mistakes against him; I still love him, because he is my dad. I even called him today to wish him a happy father's day, his day.
My stepfather Clint was a very strict father, something we girls needed and something I will never forget. He helped so much in the making of what I am today. His smile and his laugh were contagious and he was always there to listen and talk as I struggled through life's adventures. I am grateful for the role that he played in my life.
When my mom passed away she left the three of us girls in the care of my aunt and uncle, but I chose to stay with my mom's best friend Cheryl and her husband Dale. Dale became guidance in my life that he may never know. I am grateful that they overlooked my rebellious ways and reeled me into reality so many times. He continues to be there with an ear, supportive talks, and so many laughs; for this I am eternaly grateful.
Last but not least, my uncle Don was also a father figure to me. His hands were full with so many girls in the household that often caused a lot of conflict. There were five teenage girls in that house at some point, and being the only male in the house I am sure could drive most men to drink; but he stayed with us without a bottle. He was encouraging and always there for a great laugh. To this day we can laugh loud and talk about so much.
The point to this poorly written blog is to say THANK YOU to all of them. There are so many different kinds of dads out there - from dads who don't have enough time or money, to dads who want nothing more than to inspire their daughters and watch them grow up to be amazing women, wives, and mothers. Without them I would not be able to focus on what lies ahead with a positive outlook, I would not have learned about God and his word, and I would not have learned about forgiveness and unconditional love. Each of the dads played a role in my life that taught me things and showed me the ways. They picked me up when I fell down, they listened as I cried, and they held my hand when I needed it. I LOVE YOU DADS!!! (RIP Daddy Clint) Happy Father's Day!

I'll keep you posted -destiny

Her Tomboy

Dressed in patent leather shoes, pretty dresses with tights, and the pigtails to match, my sisters were always pretty little girly-girls. I was the girl my mom always fought to get in the dress when we had to go someplace nice. She would tug that dress over my head as I whined my loudest objection and resisted to the best of my ability. She always won--after threatening that I would be wearing dresses for a week if I didn't just cooperate, even though I am pretty sure now that she didn't have a daily dress battle in her. She would pull up my stockings, and buckle my shoes... and then came the brush! Oh, the pulling and tugging that always took place when she wanted my out of control platinum curls in pigtails or a braid. After the tears fell down my cheeks from torture that seemed as though it would never end, I would be mommy's pretty girly-girl number three! I would then run outside to join my sisters standing by the car or sitting in the porch swing waiting to leave.
Here are some interesting facts: Patent leather shoes make a great sound when you rub them together, tights itch something terrible, and standing in one place is not fun when you are a kid. Riding your bike is WAY MORE FUN!!!
I'd undoubtedly get bored waiting to leave and dart to the garage, grab my bike, and ride as fast as I could down the driveway and up to little Bobby's yard, where my friends, all boys, were playing a game of kickball. After the customary teasing about my dress and pigtails, and my typical "shut-up" response, I join the game. Eventually my mother starts calling my name with obvious frustration in her voice. I say goodbye and hop back on my bike, riding up to my driveway. I drop my bike and walk up to my "pretty" family. Disheveled and dirty, my tights have a tear in the knee, my shoes are scuffed, my dress now covered with dirt and grass stains, and my once perfect pigtails are falling out and sticking to my face with sweat. I was 100% Tomboy.
Today, I love being a girly-girl. I look forward to getting my hair and nails done, and enjoy dressing up and looking nice. I love to shop as much as the next girl and I have an addiction to shoes. But I still love to get dirty and play hard, and I can definitely play well with the boys. If only my mom could see me now! ***I love you mom!***

I will keep you posted -destiny