Big D

A little over fifteen years ago, my family ended a painful chapter of our lives, and we started an exciting new chapter of life. On March 11, 2000 my mom married Dave.  I wish I could go back in time, to Mom  and Dave's wedding, and smack my little 11 year-old self across the face. I treated Dave so poorly during his courtship with my mom. I didn't want my mom to move on. I didn't like the fact that a new guy was coming around and stealing my mom's time and attention. I didn't like that he demanded respect. I didn't like that he was moving our family (again). I feel so horrible for the way my siblings and I treated Dave in the early days of our relationship.  

Thankfully my attitude has changed for the better. Dave, AKA Big D, is the greatest example of what a husband and father should be. When he married my mom, he had already raised six kids of his own.  Im sure the last thing he wanted to do was raise six more young kids. But he did. I have never even heard Big D complain about raising my siblings and me. Big D stepped in and became the only steady father figure in my life. He financially supported all of us kids so my mom could stay at home and raise us.

Big D provided opportunities that only a loving father can provide for his kids. He took me on daddy daughter dates. He taught me the importance of work and a good education. He taught me how to respect those around me (especially my mom). He was a huge support in gaining my own personal testimony of the church. He taught me to never settle for anything but the best. He supported me in every tennis match, piano recital, violin concert, and academic night I ever had. He sat through hours upon hours of Young Women recognition nights, and always congratulated me whole heartedly at the end of every event. He was my biggest cheerleader throughout my teen years.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning Big D's goofy side. If you know Big D, then you must know something about his humor. He is quite possibly the most hilarious man I have ever met. Now let me share some inside jokes/stories about Big D:

• Pet Pinecone
• Highlighter love notes
• Reusable trash bags
• Milk and bread for breakfast
• Jumping up and down for joy with me
• "Hey Rach. I need you to empty the dishwasher. Like now. When do you think you can get it done? I need it done now."
• Hearing the dreaded footsteps upstairs followed by, "Hey Rach. Your mom and I have to talk to you. Can you come up here now." After which you have to sit in the much feared floral chair and have Dave have a stern talk with you (all of which are scripted by mom on one of her notebooks.)
• "Big slugger"
• "Holy H"
• "What's the scoop?"
• Mowing the lawn with his Jazz hat that looks like it might fly away at any given moment.
• He taught us through example what the true meaning of "frugal" is. 
• Driving with his head laid back on the seat. 
• Looking at lots and lots of rock formations
• A joke about a blind eye
• Pretty sure he has the best story about bubble gum
• Being awaken by his screams at the TV during a sporting event

Today is a great day, today is Father's Day. When I think of the word "father", my step-dad Dave comes to mind and I am so lucky to have Big D as my dad.

PS: I thought I would leave you all with a picture of mister GQ himself. ;)