Father's Day.

Hi friends,

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there.

Here is a little history for you on how the day started. The first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. It was the idea of the daughter of a Civil War veteran, who raised his six children on his own, because she wanted to commemorate her father the same way children celebrated Mother's Day. She initially wanted Father's Day to land on her father's birthday - June 5 - but there was not enough time to pull a celebration together in the town of Spokane so they landed on the third Sunday in June.

I'm glad the day exists if only to have an extra reason to celebrate my first hero.

Whenever I'm out with my dad in Pittsburgh, in the Strip District hunting for interesting food items or getting coffee at La Prima, we're inevitably stopped by someone he knows. A patient who adores him, a nurse from the hospital, sometimes even a chef from a local restaurant in which he frequents. It happens without fail that I call him The Mayor. So, now you see where I get it. My mom will also gladly tell you the other traits I have from my dad.

A few of my favorite memories of my dad from my childhood include catching fireflies on a hot summer night, going for soft-serve ice-cream and fishing on the open water. We also used to read Love, Dad. It's a sweet story about a dad writing notes to his kids. I still have a dozen letters he would write to me during my collegiate years. They are sweet and funny and usually included a goofy rhyme and $20 intended for gas which I'm sure was used for beer, I mean, books. 

Now, one of our favorite things to do is open a nice bottle of wine, have dinner outside with my mom and talk. 

Here are a few vintage images of us throughout the years...

 Swimming in Bethany Beach where I'm probably about seven.

Heading off to Xavier in August 1997. I have it on good authority that he cried the entire way home to Pittsburgh after leaving Cincinnati with one less person in the car.

The day before my brother's wedding. My dad is always the best date. Did anyone else dance with their dad by standing on their feet as a little girl?

On this Father's Day, I want to thank my dad for being my cheerleader at swim meets and on the marathon course, for encouraging me to follow my dreams and for being my biggest fan. It's because of my dad that I walk confidently and the reason I have incredibly high expectations and zero patience. Thank you for always wanting the best for your little girl.

I just wish he lived a bit closer, but I'm lucky that he's only at the other end of the phone.

Happy Father's Day, dad! This quote sums it up...

I love my father as the stars — he's a bright shining example and a happy twinkling in my heart. - Terri Guillemets

xo,
Your friend, (and daughter)
Caroline