Happy Father’s Day … a day late

During a rough patch a while back, I was on the phone with my father and I said to him, “I wish I had a back up plan.” He replied, “Victoria, as long as I’m alive, you will always have a back up plan.” That’s the essence of my dad. He’s always been there for me, and he always will be.

My father and I have a special bond. One that’s hard to explain, but one that I am grateful to have. When you ask me what I remember about my diagnosis day, I remember my father’s tears. I remember how sad he was, and I remember how he blamed himself because up until that point, diabetes was only on his side of the family. I remember how he beat himself up because he felt like he should’ve recognized my symptoms. But I don’t blame my father for having diabetes. I never have. Instead, I’ve looked at it as a positive thing because I had someone next to me who understood everything I’d be facing.

Through the years, nothing has changed. Even still… when my blood sugar is high, he knows what it feels like. When I can’t think straight or process information because of low brain, he understands. He commiserates after I over-treat a low because he’s done it, too. He encourages me after a frustrated day of highs. He knows how tough it can be to ride because of how the exercise rapidly lowers my blood sugar. He knows how good a “perfect” A1c feels. He gets every single piece of diabetes, and no matter what happens in my life, he will always get it. I’m not thankful my dad has diabetes, but I’m thankful we have something to share.

My father is fantastic beyond words and definitely beyond this blog post. I’m thankful for him in so many ways. Some of my favorite memories involve my father. So much of who I am mirrors him. My sense of adventure comes from him, along with my love of the outdoors. He taught me how to ride a bike and how to water ski. He taught me how to perfectly flip an omelette and that the world’s best meal is peanut butter and ‘Nilla wafers. He taught me how to splash through small puddles and steer clear of the deep ravines. He taught me how to drive a stick and how to shoot a gun. He wouldn’t let me get my license until I knew how to check my car’s fluids and change a flat tire. He gave me my work ethic and my love for people. He taught me how to love God and what to look for in a future husband. He taught me how to give freely and without regard. He taught me how to pray and how to trust. He showed me how dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family. He taught me so much of what I know, diabetes included.

If you call me a Daddy’s Girl, you’d be right. I’m thankful to have a dad who loves me unconditionally and who prays for me daily. I’m thankful for wonderful parents who gave me a foundation in Christ. So to my dad, Happy Father’s Day … a day late. (I also inherited his gift of procrastination.) 😉