I Have The Best Dad in the World!

I have been thinking about my dad often this past month, so I thought I would tell you how much I love him!

Even though I am married, I am still his little girl and miss him very much! There are times when I sit at the kitchen table and cry because I miss him so much. Daniel (who is such a wonderful husband) just holds me and lets me cry. My dad is such a great and God honoring man! I am glad that God has blessed me with such a father, and the twenty two years I was in his home.

Recently, I came across this song (You Can Let Go by Crystal Shawanda) and it brought tears to my eyes...

Wind blowin' on my face

Sidewalk flyin' beneath my bike

A five year-old's first taste

Of what freedom's really like

He was runnin' right beside me

His hand holdin' on the seat

I took a deep breath and hollered

As I headed for the street

(Chorus)

You can let go now, Daddy

You can let go

Oh, I think I'm ready

To do this on my own

(It's still) (It still feels) a little bit scary

But I want you to know

I'll be okay now, Daddy

You can let go

I was standin' at the altar

Between the two loves of my life

To one I've been a daughter

To one I soon would be a wife

When the preacher asked, 'Who gives this woman?'

Daddy's eyes filled up with tears

He kept holdin' tightly to my arm 'Til I whispered in his ear

(Repeat Chorus)

It was killin' me to see

The strongest man I ever knew

Wastin' away to nothin'

In that hospital room

'You know he's only hangin' on for you'

That's what the night nurse said

My voice and heart were breakin'

As I crawled up in his bed, and said

You can let go now, Daddy

You can let go

Your little girl is ready

To do this on my own

It's gonna be a little bit scary

But I want you to know

I'll be okay now, Daddy

You can let go You can let go

I Love you Daddy!

Remembering...

It was a year ago today that my Dad, Rev. James M. McDonald, gave my hand away in marriage to Mr. Daniel James Kell Blanchard. It was on this day, that I took a new name.

The day flew by fast! I recall waking up, getting dressed, saying good morning to all my family members, and my two grandparents who were staying with us. Than Grace and I went with my grandparents to get our hair done. We than went to the church directly after that, and arrived just before the service began.

My Mom helped me get into my dress and all the wonderful things you do to get pretty for your big day. Then we took a couple of pictures and my dad came in to pray with me. As I sat there cuddled between my two wonderful parents, it hit me that I was leaving them. I remember my mom telling me not to cry because I was messing up my make-up.

My Mom than left to take her seat in the church. I was able to give my Dad one last hug and kiss as his maiden daughter. Then the doors opened, and Dad said, " It's time." I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, forcing my tears to go away. As the doors opened I saw this man standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me. That man was soon to become my husband. We were about to begin a new adventure. This is the day we became Mr. and Mrs. Daniel James Kell Blanchard.

The only regret that I have about our wedding day is that I wish I could go back and spend more time with my family before everything got started that morning. I want them to know that I love each one of them dearly, and would never ever ask for a different family! God has made them so special to me and I wish we lived closer! I love you!

As for Daniel and I, this has be a year of adventure! We have had our ups and downs. Both of us would agree that we wouldn't trade those moments for anything. We have learned to help each other in everything. Today, we are both extremely blessed, happily married, enjoying life together, 6 1/2 months pregnant and waiting for our first son to arrive! God has been gracious to us!