Birth of a Hero

Today I celebrate a very special day. It is the day of birth of the man in my life...who loved me first. Happy 73rd. Birthday, to the best Papa in this entire world! B & I are on our way to Texas to celebrate with him, but of course, I just wanted to pay tribute first. I ran out of words A LONG TIME AGO, to express just how much he means to me & how very much he is loved & appreciated. One of my very favorite things I've ever written was for Father's Day a few years ago. Since there have been no new words invented, and these will forever remain true...I share these words again. 

To the Man that loved me first,

When I was a tiny little clown, sweet faced and full of love…I was Papa’s girl.
I was. I still am.
I looked to him for my security,
for love and attention,
for the understanding, and the patience I lacked
as a child.
My Papa was the center of my small world,
the focus of my affections,
the star that lit my life, shining bright.
Shining still in my heart.
The years have led me here,
weathered with maturity and responsibilities,
and I see more clearly now.
The hardships, burdens of love,
and all the sacrifices he made for me,
for our family.
He created stability, a place to call home.
All the photographs I browse through, I see a child so blessed, smiling, so happy and so loved.
The mere thought of being without him
is enough to send me cowering, afraid...
looking for guidance.
I turned to my father for support,
advice, wise counsel, and for approval.
Grown up, I see differently now...
A new perspective of a man I have always known.
My heart is full, my emotions overpowering
just in the certainty of that bond.
He's been there for me through all the conflicts
helping me over the rough, ragged stones of growing up.
My respect for him is unending,
faith is unbound, and love is unquestioning.
Even in the midst of all my imperfections, he is lenient,
ignoring the pitfalls, the downfalls, the shortcomings,
he just accepted me as I was, as I am.
The sheer purity of it leaves me awe-struck
and it lifts me up, it holds my head a little higher,
it keeps me in balance,
harmonizing with the world around me
beautifully, like an inspired masterpiece from the soul
of an honest man.
I am honored to know him, to love him, to be of him.
He's my hero, and I am his daughter, his little girl

There are no, nor will ever be…enough words to describe the overwhelming gratitude, admiration, appreciation, respect, and unconditional love…that resides in my heart for only you. There will never be a moment…for the rest of my life, that you won’t be my Papa, and I will need you any less. Whoever said kids only need their Parents for 18 years….never knew about us. You are the epitome of all that embodies a man in my eyes, and I couldn’t be more honored, or more proud to call YOU my Papa. Happy Father's Day, Papa. I love you to heaven…and forever after. 

Your little girl, forever…Veronika 

Happy Birthday, My Beautiful Papa & My Hero,