Friday, August 21, 2009

Real life happy ending... (princesses need not apply)

If you are a regular reader of this here blog, you've probably figured out that I was very close to my dad, he was my confidant and I miss that, but I still have treasures from our time together, some of which are letters that I had written to him while away at college. I shared with him many things that were going on in my life at the time and it is so fun to go back and read the wisdom (or lack thereof) of my 20 year old mind. One of my favorite things to read about are my relationship ups and downs of the day. What I wrote about a certain Mr. Rick is my favorite, a testimony that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be (not that I ever have to question that. He's the best thing that ever happened to me).

( This is the college stationary I made from a caricature my very talented roommate drew of me. I wish I still had the original because I love it, it looks just like me don'tcha think)
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Lets peak in on what this funny little girl had to say about her future mate shall we:
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Hi Dad-
I miss you so much. I love you more than anyone on this earth. Throughout my life I have felt so close to you. We have always been able to talk for hours about anything. Not many fathers and daughters can say that. I wouldn't trade my dad for anyone or anything...
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(we'll skip past the life lessons I was experiencing and the epiphanies about my relationship with the one who can't be named--remember my promise from an earlier post--so we can get to the good stuff)
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...I had very real, deep, undeniable feelings about Rick and it is very hard to turn your back on something so real. I'm not saying that I will ever be with Rick again but I cannot deny that it was right. It wasn't just my foolish emotions that time, it was real. It is such a different feeling when it's real. It brings such a natural happiness (more stuff that can't be mentioned) I know what real God sent feelings can be with the right man and I will have that again someday...
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(more unmentionable and personal stuff)
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...I love you Dad. I love you with all of my heart. Thanks for being so wonderful. If you ever get down, remember how I feel about you and look at the person I've become and know that you did a good thing.
I love you always and admire you above all others.
Love Forever,
Jeanette
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I love this letter because it is a reminder of not only how much I loved my dad, but of how much I loved (and felt so deeply connected to) my Rick.
It makes me smile when I read it because everything worked out and we got our Happy Ending.
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But I know it's very important not to take happy endings for granted. Happy endings need to be continually nurtured, evaluated and strengthened. Happy endings must be treated as a verb, it takes action, which is why I loved and didn't put down the smut filled book that I spoke of earlier. It woke me from the subtle slumber that kills happy endings-- quiet, no special effort-- complacency.
I woke up, AND OH THE TIME WE HAVE HAD...
We're like newlyweds embarking on that happy ending all over again.
I'll tell you more about it later. This post is already way too long... (but remember, don't read the book, it's really bad).

7 comments:

Marcie Ashton said...

"Dont' read the book"...ho ho ho. I think I better go dig out my library card.

4boyzmdmom said...

Thanks for the reminder about complacency--now I don't have to read the book! :)

Tara McClendon said...

I'm glad you had the chance to share your thoughts with your dad. And I agree--happy endings should be verbs.

Bren's Life said...

You are too funny about the book! I think I need to go to the library. I just read the last Nicholas Sparks book & it was really good. I totally went blank on the name. But it's his newest... Man- I have never heard of a Father Daughter relationship that close. That is incredible that you guys could talk like that. Does Rick have a relationship like that with your girls? And did your dad do special do help develop a relationship like that? I want Troy to have a strong relationship with our kids like that. We'll me too!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I kept those old letters to pass back to you....happy memories for you and now for us as you share them. I always was glad when you kids had such a good relationship with Dad. He worked long hours, but made up for it by the time he spent really talking to and listening to us. p.s. love that pic of you too!

MaryRC said...

have you ever seen that movie (i dont recommend) unfaithful? although i dont recommend it, it shakes you to the core!

~~Mel~~ said...

I am in awe of the relationship you had with your dad! That's so great...you are right when you say "not many fathers and daughters can talk like this".