Happy Father’s Day From Tara O’Donnell

In celebration of Father's Day on Sunday June 17, we asked Patch readers to write a letter to their father and let us deliver it. This is Tara O'Donnell's letter to her dad:

To my dad,

I know this is going to be a very hard Father's Day since Robbie's passing, but I want you to remember he is in a better place and no longer suffering. He will be looking down and wishing you a Happy Father's Day. He's always going to be with us.

I just couldn't let this day go by without letting you know how special you are.

I want to start right off the bat with telling you you’re not only an amazing dad, but an amazing human being. From the time when I was a kid until the 46-year-old adult that I am now, I'm still your spoiled brat. Thank you for all the wonderful years growing up. Even when we had rough times, you and Mommy were great at shielding us from those things.

As a kid I loved hanging out with you, going to your job with you was fun. I loved when you would introduce me as your little fox (you were such the bragger). I love watching the awesome relationships you have with people and the love and respect they have for you. It makes me beam with pride and say, “That's my dad.”

Thank you for taking me to the Prince concert and the George Michael concert. I couldn't stop smiling as a kid — I just knew I had the cool dad. I truly appreciate the times that you were strict, because I know I was something else, and it helped me with making a lot of the right decisions in life. Thank you for the talks about college and helping me get my legs at Bloomsburg University.

Most women call their mom when they freak out after finding a lump in their breast, but not me — I called my Daddy. Thank you for helping me climb down off the ceiling when my emotions were all over the place. Remembering your last words to not claim it and I didn't after that.

Thank you for our long talks and for your patience when there some things I just don't want to talk about. My anger is never towards you. I know sometimes I seem to have a temper, but some things just affect me differently (You know, like some people we might discuss). Glad you have thick skin — that's where I get it from.

When Shawn came to you and asked for your permission to marry me, thank you for your blessing. I am blessed to have you as a father, grandfather and now a great grandfather. Even though your great grands haven’t met you yet, I show them your picture and talk about you. They’re only one, but no time like the present.

Thank you for listening to me vent, laugh and cry. I will always be your little lass. I appreciate, love and respect you. Thank you for being the best dad a woman could have. You’re always going to be Number 1 in my book— my dad, my confidant, always my protector.

Love your lil’ lass,
Tara

P.S. The best part of talking to you is hearing your laughter! You’re the best.

See all Father's Day letters here.

Image Credit: Tara O'Donnell