For My Dad: Mr. Lloyd

When I was two, I couldn't wait for him to get home, my knight in shining armor; except when I was in trouble, then I would dread his return. By the time thirteen came along I still wanted him in my life, just not telling me what to do. If I'm going to be honest, I really wanted him to be a serve as a 24 hour banking service. By the time high school graduation rolled around, all I could think was "hallelujah! Independence is finally mine! FREEDOM!!" However, in the same month that I graduated, my parents said I was still their little girl. I was like what?? You haven't called me that in forever....please.... Once I get to college, I'm gone.

A year later, after several painful experiences at college and realizing the I was as broken and messed up and any human being could be, my dad came into my room, knelt down to next to my bed, prayed for the Lord's blessing to be upon me and kissed me goodnight, just like he'd done when all those years before. I then realized that, yes, I still was their little girl.