This is a story about a girl….A girl who had a special bond with her Dad. He came to all her games as a kid while her Mom worked. He drove her to school many days, he took her to get ice cream, go for walks and so much more. They snowmobiled in the winters, and they went to the lake up north in the summers.
This girl respected and listened to his rules as a kid (being a little strict at times), and as an adult became friends with him. He taught her that rules and respect happen at home. She listened, she never wanted to disappoint him.
Their relationship changed when she lost her Mom when she was 21 (and in her last year of college). Her Dad now became her best friend. Their bond grew stronger as he had to be her Mom AND Dad for the next 24 years. As an adult, they took trips, they reminisced about him coaching her softball games, they had lunches, coffee, he got to meet her husband-to-be (at the time) and created a bond with him over sports, Wisconsin and life. He then watched her raise her sons and cheered them on in all they did, took them fishing, spoiled them with treats and gave them belly laughs with his humor.
This is a story about a girl who never dreamed of a wedding dress or certain things for her wedding day, but just dreamed her Dad could be there to walk her down the aisle.
This is a story about a girl who watched her Dad fight SO hard the past 18 months (from Diabetes complications), and she was by his side telling him it was NOT an option to stop.
This is a story about a girl who called her Dad a few times a week just to talk and he was always there for her.
This is a story about a girl who shared a few amazing memories this summer with her Dad- taking the boys boating and fishing, a day on the river with all four of his kids and his brother.
This is a story about a girl who saw her Dad made friends with every single person he met with his warm and kind personality- she learned so much by watching how he treated others. He lit up a room when he walked in and ALWAYS asked, “How are you doing?” He was full of life, full of personality and full of warmth. He was always kind, funny and someone you wanted to be around.
This is a story about a girl who knew the time came where he couldn’t fight anymore, so she spent special time with him. Each day was a blessing, and she cherished it with all her heart. She understood, even thought it was hard. She told him all the things, and he told her he lived fully and now it was time to go.This is a story about a girl who knew the end was coming very soon (within hours), so she told him he could go and be an angel and she was so confident he would watch over her! She re-assured him that she’d make sure she lived out his legacy and teach her boys to do the same.
This is a story about a girl who told him “Sweet Daddy, it’s your time”……and an hour after she left, he took his last breathe. Maybe he needed to see/hear her one more time, maybe he needed the re-assurance his baby would be OK and has so many people to take care of her, maybe he was being called to his new life right after she left and the timing was exactly how it was supposed to be.
This is a story about a girl who is heart broken that the most amazing man she has ever known for her entire life is no longer here to call or see. BUT she knows he is in an amazing place, ailment free and watching over her already. He believed in her more than she believe in herself — and he has taught her that she can and will do anything she sets her mind to!This is my story, and I am this girl. I was so blessed to have the most amazing father, a special bond for 45 years, so many memories and so much love.
This story has a new chapter, and I don’t know where it will bring me but I know it’s living out his legacy and honoring him every day.
Cheers to a wonderful man that I got to have for 45 years. I miss you already, but every day I will look for signs from you. RIP sweet Daddy, until I see you again…..
Fitness With Bridget 