Even now as a middle-aged woman, I really miss my dad.
There’s a connection between a father and daughter that remains the same, the core values transcending your role as wife, mother, and even grandmother. A daughter’s mom dispenses invaluable advice and massive doses of criticism, which is mostly constructive and invaluable. Just take a look at the children you have raised and how many times while interacting with them you sound pathetically just like your mother. But this is not the case with a mom’s dad.
My dad worried about my feelings, not so much my actions (mom was very active on the that front), from feeling left out at school as a child, to feeling alone and isolated after giving birth to my first child. He guided me through my fear of giving birth to more children and the fear of failing when running a household financially, physically, emotionally, and otherwise. My dad knew all this telepathically and knew just what to say to lift my spirits or to listen when I realistically accepted the obstacles ahead. I never had to utter a sound. He just felt it all.
So, for all this, I truly miss my Dad on Father’s Day, and every day. But, I am so very grateful for my the father my husband has become and how he truly warms my heart. I know my Daddy is watching from above and will be there as long as I need him. I listen to quiet reminders of his love.
Cherish the times with your dad if he is still in your life, but remember when a mom loses her dad, she never loses the love.