I may not have ever heard your voice.  You wouldn’t have ever given me my nighttime bottle or rocked me to sleep.  Who else could’ve given me strong baby abs without your baby sit-ups?

Sure; instead of waiting a few days later for Christmas presents, we might have opened them that morning.  The living room would’ve been filled with torn wrapping paper, but inherently empty.

Instead of seeing your familiar face in the dugout, I would’ve only dreamed of hearing your voice cheer me on.  I may not have even picked up a bat.  Who would’ve taught me the fundamentals?

When boys started coming to the house, who would’ve shaken their hands a bit too firmly and scared the disrespect right out of them?  I would’ve just dreamed of being able to have a fight with you about how I knew better than you.

No one could have given me the look that I will always cherish when you opened the door to my bridal suite.  I may have never felt that beautiful in my entire life.  Instead of feeling the absolute confidence that I chose a man that you wholeheartedly approved of, I might’ve just guessed.

A photo of a photo of a moment that I will never forget!

When I walked down the aisle, who would’ve walked with me and known the exact words to say to keep me from ruining my perfect makeup?  Who else would’ve given me softball scenarios and asked where to go with the ball while I was walking toward my future.  No one but you.

Today, I am so grateful for my father and his service.  I am more thankful that I’ve had a lifetime of happy memories with my father and that he did not have to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I remember the families who can only wish for time with their loved ones.  I remember all of those soldiers who have laid down their lives for our freedom and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice.