This Father's Day, I've asked a few of my favorite dads to write a letter to their daughters, to share why they are proud to be their father.
This one is from my good friend and owner of creative agency Grade A Design, Bruce Freehoff.
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Dear Emily,
I don't know if I am writing this to you from the past, present, or future. Time functions differently when you are a father. On some days I look at you and see the toddler who was obsessed with motorcycles and had to sit on every single one we passed. On other days I can see the woman you are becoming; smart, funny, creative, and beautiful (both inside and out).
Everyday is a new adventure and while you may struggle some days you are triumphant on most. I have the honor and privilege to watch and listen as you go from topic to topic to topic. I see your sense of style starting to become "you". I experience your stubbornness (and believe me, I do), your determination and your drive. All of these wonderful things that is the recipe of who you are and who you will be. All of these new discoveries make me proud to be your father.
I grew up in a house of women and I still have no clue how they function. My brain was wired for speed and adventure while my mom and sisters were not. The best way to describe life at my house as a child would be shock and awe. What I did gain from that experience was respect, patience and the ability to sit outside of a dressing room for hours on end without going crazy. These valuable assets I now use with our relationship.
You forget sometimes how much you learn from your children. Perspective is one thing that stands out. We are so set in our ways; the way we view the world and how we are quick to fall into our typical patterns. When you have children they open your eyes to things you may overlook. They remind you of the world around you as they discover things for the first time.
To bring this to a close there is one detail that I will never forget and that has made me realize that you will be okay no matter what. As Halloween approached when you were 4 I asked you what you were planning to dress as. You said "the Hulk". I said "sweet". Well, the Hulk option was overruled and a princess was there in its place. But, as we were heading out to begin our loop, you told me to wait, ran down stairs and came up dressed as the sweetest princess... With giant green Hulk hands that played "Hulk Smash" when you banged them into things. As I looked at you I could see the woman you would become; beautiful, elegant, and tough as hell. Go smash Emily and enjoy the ride!
Love, Dad