Everyday Inspirations


~ special father's day edition ~

{from angie}
Walking down the aisle
Dear Dad,

Every little girl dreams of being dressed in white and having her daddy walk her down the aisle. Last year I got to live this dream. Why is it, I wonder, that this rite of passage, this symbolic giving away, is every girl's dream with her dad? 

That being said, there have been so many things you have taught me to prepare me for that rite of passage. You taught me how to question, analyze and study the world around me, to cook and experiment with recipes, to love the outdoors and take care of mother earth by the choices I make, and to embrace learning and always strive for more. You gave me your witty sense of humor, your love of reading, your affection for science and the arts, and your passion for discovering new things in our world.

When I was little, every morning I would get up, sit on your lap and eat your cereal. You'll be glad to know I regularly eat Nate's food too (I'm sure he appreciates it as much as you did). Some things never change.

Last September, all dressed in white, I leaned on your arm as you walked me to a new beginning. In that rite of passage your strength carried me to live out my dream. I have started a new life with my husband, but despite the symbolic giving away, I will always be daddy's little girl. Happy Father's Day Dad.


{from ash}
Dad's girl for life. We go way back.
Dear Dad,

I write a lot but can never seem to find the most appropriate words to use when talking about how much you've touched my life. It is difficult to accurately express how grateful I am to be your daughter. I thank God every day for you and your selfless dedication to our family--even before I was around. You sacrificed for us, always with a smile on your face. I know is not always an easy thing to do, but I'm so glad you did.

When I look back, I see that important lessons along the way came from you -- among them, the value of lifelong learning, how to respect others (especially those you love most), and what it means to be honest and patient. You also taught me many essential skills: to ski everything from homemade snow hills in our backyard to "Ted's Chutes"; to try and appreciate delicious food; to fall in love with the outdoors; and, of course, to properly train for and rock a half marathon.

(For the record, one of the most inspiring moments of my life was holding your hand as we crossed through the finish line of our first half. I'll remember it forever.)

Mom always tells me how much you loved being a daddy, how excited you were to have a girl, how we were best friends. She says I used to wait for you to come home each day, thrilled I'd be spending the evening with one of my most favorite people in the world. I hear these stories and my heart fills with love for that little girl and her daddy. I'm thankful that little girl is me, that I was blessed with a loving home and a father who not only stuck around, but also was thrilled to be there (even during the dramatic teenage years). I know not every kid gets that. Thank you.

I love you, Dad. I can't wait to see what adventures await us.

Ruth Rudick
6/20/2010 01:29:29 pm

How very touching this tribute is to YOUR dad Ashley.I am so moved for the respect and love you have and show for your parents. You are a wonderful daughter that they love so much. Their goal as parents has been to be involved with helping you and Jeff to succeed and be able to soar on your own as responsible adults and it has been successful for all of you.I am so proud of the BUNK family !!! Love Grma


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