“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me.”
-Jim Valvano
As you know, this month was extremely special to Uncle Funky’s Daughter as we celebrated dads all month! It’s important to shed light on the men in our lives (and on our feeds)! We appreciate all the fierce feminine energy we see and receive through social media, but saw it fitting to pay credit where its due for the funky fathers out there!
Dads are all so special and unique, especially to their daughters. For women, our fathers are the first to show us how we should be treated and respected, how to accept and give love, and often the first to show and tell us how beautiful we are as we are blossom into young ladies. While most dads may not physically do our hair (although they try really hard, I know you remember), or pick the cutest outfit or makeup options once we hit our teenage years, they place a huge role in our self confidence and self love. Through all the fads and changes, they are typically the first to remind us we’re beautiful no matter what we do.
Women all over the world wide web can relate to this! My dad played a vital part in my own self confidence, physically and mentally. Some of my fondest memories are of my father walking me to school as a kindergartener (and no…I am not posting THOSE pics!)…and making the BEST doctored up Kool-Aid known to man!
Because my parents separated when I was young, my father was not a daily figure in my life growing up. However, he made an effort to ensure my brother and sister loved us all by being present when it mattered the most. His kindness, generosity and and patience shaped who I am and how I value relationships today.
Our fathers are the first to defend our honor, and help us realize what we’re made of. They’re often examples for what we later seek in our relationships with others, from grade school to marriage. Unfortunately for others, some fathers set the example of who we don’t our partners to be. Still, they give us a guide post that lasts for decades.
It is often said our spouses reflect similar traits as our fathers. My awesome husband, Milton, is such a motivator for all our kids, especially our daughters. He definitely much like my father in his patience, compassion and so thoughtfulness that he provides to our children. As a father of THREE daughters, he has his work cut out for him as they become teenagers! I know they’ll grow up to be sure of themselves in everything they do, because he teaches them life values every day — from discipline in making your bed, to coaching basketball, to not quitting in ballet.
I am grateful for the men in my life and all they have done and will do in the future. Here’s to all the dads!
