Good-morning, kittens & dawgs! I hope all dads in Blogosphere have a special Father’s Day. I’m grateful that my daddy is still with me and for the sweet memories I have spent with him as a little girl. I dedicated this post to my daddy, as I Dance with my Father.

Luther Vandross is the author of this beautifully moving song. He wrote of his personal experiences with his dad who died when he was 7-years old from diabetes. He recorded it 2003, earning him Song of the Year and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Although I love Vandross’ original cut, I decided to use Celine’s cover since a female voice spoke to my heart and best suited this tribute to my daddy.

 Memories of my daddy…

I remember Daddy buying a small poke (bag) of penny candy for me, shooting his rifle while he shouldered the gun and I just squeezed the trigger, sharing a cold Pepsi in a glass bottle with peanuts, sitting in his lap eating orange slice jellies and cracking walnuts at Christmas, raiding Daddy’s lunch pail for the bite of snack cake he left for me, helping him skin squirrels, his coal-dust lined eyes, his summer tanned skin whereas I burned easily, teaching me to drive, calling me “Baby”, and walking me down the isle.

What do you remember most about your daddy?

It’s funny I mentioned I didn’t tan. Clearly, you can see I made a liar out of myself in this picture of me with sun kissed skin and golden hair highlights from hours of outdoor play.

Daddy isn’t perfect (who is?), but despite the indifference I felt growing up (teenage rebellion is an ugly thing) after the storm settled (didn’t happen until I had kids of my own) the things that clouded my heart evaporated with only his love shining through AND that’s all that matters now.

Happy Father’s Day to the best Daddy!