HIETYHGIATYAMDAILYSVVVM

That long and seemingly random list of letters, dear readers, is actually an acronym for a favorite saying that Daddy Lipstick and I have for one another. We say it to each other at the end of phone conversations and sign it at the end of emails.

We also write it at the end of letters. Probably the most memorable time was at the close of a letter Daddy Lipstick sent during my junior year of high school. I was at cheerleading camp and he wrote a long letter-at least a few pages-about the little things at home that were occurring in my absence and how much he and Mommy Lipstick missed me. The other girls were incredulous. "Your dad wrote that?" one said. "My dad wouldn't have that much to say to me," another commented. The rest of the girls laughed and agreed. I was a bit sad for them, but still completely engrossed in my letter. I am still grateful beyond my ability to express it that my father has always had that much to say to me.

Daddy Lipstick has taken me on "Days Out" my whole life. What this means is that we would leave in the morning and go exploring for the entire day. We picked wildflowers on the side of the road; looked at Christmas lights; rode down the highway with the windows rolled down when it below freezing just for fun; watched movies; ate lots of Mexican food; met Mr. Greenhaw; listened to every song the Beatles ever sang; spent countless hours in the library and riding around Memphis and Shelby Forest; rode an elevator up thirty stories and when someone very snobby asked what we were doing, we replied, "we're looking for the restroom"; browsed lots of used bookstores and record stores; and rode around some more.

Perhaps the three most important things a father can give a child are his love, his patience, and his interest. Thank you Daddy Lipstick for all three.
Have I Ever Told You How Glad I Am That You Are My Daddy And That I Love You So Very Very Very Much?