Daddy

Tomorrow is my dad's last day of work. 35 years as a police officer. And in case anyone notices the similarity of years to my age....yup, dad found out mom was pregnant and decided to get a new, stable career.
Anyway, I'm sure some have heard that as a retirement gift to himself my dad is taking the entire family (10 of us) to Disneyworld for a vacation. When I found this out I am sure you can imagine I was all "Woo, hoo!". I didn't really think much of it, but was just thankful for the upcoming gift.
Later on my mom and I were talking a little more about it and she told me the reason Dad was taking us all on this vacation was to make up for all the time he missed when we were growing up. Here's the thing.....I don't remember him missing anything. Okay, when I really started thinking about it I remember some family dinners were missed and he was absent for some holidays, but not enough to say my father was an absent parent. In fact, if anyone has heard me talk about my dad it's only praise.
So, I guess what I really want to say is...we parents always worry about how much time we spend with our kids, but as kids if the time spent is quality time then really it doesn't matter about the quantity.

Daddy, I am so proud of you. Not just for being the best police officer I have ever met, but for being the best man. Congratulations on a wonderful career. I hope mom lets you relax now that you're home more often. I love you to bits and bits.....always have.....always will.