It's about your Dad, honey, that I am writing
this letter. Dads are grossly underrated by their
womenfolk. The pangs of Fatherhood linger to the
end of time and Dad's throat is due for many lumps
along the way.



At your baptism, for instance, with a big lump of
pride and humility, he will dedicate himself along
with you. In a few years your front teeth will drop
out, costing him 10 cents each, and all too soon
you'll spend hours primping in the bathroom; and even
more hours on the phone.



You'll make remodeling Dad a major project, sometimes
giving up in despair with an: "Oh Daddy, how can you be
so icky?" You'll master the 'Withering Look' which has
wilted Dads since the Post Emily period.



Daughters seldom know of the sleepless nights when
Dad wrestles with mortgage payments, bills for dental
braces, music lessons, formals and finally, for that
silly old custom, a wedding. Somehow Dad always manages
to come through with flying greenbacks.



His biggest lump of all will come when he answers the
question: "Who giveth this woman?" Forcing a smile that
fools no one, he goofs a bit and mumbles:
" Her mother and me."



All of these years he has been prouder of you than you
can ever know. So you will grow, acquire wisdom and
stature and favor with God and with Dad and his pride
will overflow, for he will know that all his lumps have
been tremendously worthwhile. Perhaps when his
'lumping days' are over and the green grass has healed
over the scar made by his take-off for the Long Journey,
His Little Girl Will Say:

"Happy Landing, Dad.
I love you.
And Daddy; Thanks for everything!"






Author Unknown