The Wonderful Men in My Life

In Honor of Fathers Day I've decided to post about the wonderful, selfless, caring men who have all had a hand in making me the person I am today. 


My Amazing Dad
Kevin Crawford is more than a father who has always played an active role in my life, he is my hero and best friend. I truly trust him with all of my secrets. Whenever I need advice whether it be with friendships, relationships, or even outfits he is the first person I turn to. He's been my taxi driver (for at least 16 years and those days when I don't feel like driving), my cook, my laundry mat, my bedroom cleaner (for those weeks that the floor becomes taken over by clothes I decided not to wear), my pharmacy/ food delivery guy. He's been the person on the other end of the text I send during first period when I realize I ran out of the house without a project, paper, diet coke, deodorant, ect. He's the guy who drops anything if I'm sick (or forgot to study for a test) to come check me out. The guy who comes to the rescue when I lock my keys in the trunk of my car or when I have a killer migraine and crave excedrin. He's the guy who I argue loud and proud with in regards to all things politics because he taught me the importance of being able to form my own opinions and think for myself. He is the wonderful man I can call at any time throughout the day and vent my feelings towards. He has had my back on the softball field, basketball court, and cheer mat. He is the ultimate dad. He is super dad. I'm so lucky to call this God fearing, drop anything to help someone else, Alabama football fan dad mine. I love you so much.

My Wonderful Stepfather
Meeting you during my crazy(er), hormone filled days of middle school it's surprising you stuck around with two of the sassiest, hardheaded, eye rolling, constantly picking at you girls, but I'm so happy you did. Clay Patterson has done more than turned me into an Ole Miss Rebel. He's the guy who I text (way too much) to see how much money I have left on my debt card. The guy who's taught me to love bread pudding and eat pints of Ben & Jerry's at anytime because dessert is always an acceptable replacement for any meal. The guy who's taken me to visit the schools of my dreams and eat some pretty expensive steak while we were there. He's been supportive during breakups, deaths, and conflicts with family. He's truly an amazing man who's introduced me to an amazing family. He's treated me like his own and now I can't imagine life without him. I love you Clay.

All of My Many Fabulous Grandfathers
My Granddaddy. One of the most amazing, sensitive, hard of hearing, caring, giving, selfless men. Without him I would not have been able to do as many of the adventures I have such as mountain trips, beach trips, and European vacations. From coming to get me at school to take me to the doctor to teaching me how to play solitaire on the computer I've always looked up to him. I owe probably an extra 15 lbs on my body to him for constantly going out to eat. Through him I learned the true meaning of love. He loved my grandmother for nearly 60 years. I watched him pick up food for her, cook when she was too tired to, do laundry for her. I watched him stay at the hospital day in and day out after she had a stroke until he had to be admitted because he was too worried about her to eat or sleep. He taught me what love is and how you sacrifice for those you love. My favorite place to go and spend the night has always been granddaddy's house (and not just because of the Krispy Kreme I wake up to). I'm so proud to be your baby girl. I love you Grandaddy.

My Papa. I know for a fact I got my sass, wit, and work ethic from him. He is one of the strongest men I know, mentally and physically. He worked hard for everything and put himself through college and law school when the odds were against him. He's lost friends and family, but he still manages to have a sparkle is his baby blue eyes. He taught me to say "yes sir" and "no sir". He taught me to respect my elders and always listen to their stories no matter how long they are or how many times they fall asleep before they're over. I can't stand to sleep past ten in the morning because I always imagine his voice yelling "GET UP YOU'RE WASTING DAYLIGHT". I know my need for adventure comes straight from you. I owe my first time water skiing and tubing all to him. He's the man who spent time and money teaching me to fish at Ann's house and the bay. His goofy side (that often only appeared around his granddaughters) is my favorite. I can't imagine going to buy halloween costumes in July with anyone else. I love you Papa.

My Daddy Don. I'm sure no one has a Daddy Don (at least not like mine anyways). He's the type of man who will greet you with a five minute long hug (even after back surgery). He's the kind of guy who lets all the grandkids drive the golf cart on the farm (even if you're five years old like I was). He taught me the proper names for the different kinds of cows and he taught me to eat oysters straight out of the shell. He is truly a kind, genuine person who would go to any length to see any of his 11 grandchildren happy. He's the person who convinced my parents to let me have my first dog after I begged and begged. Even though sometimes he wears the wrong colors (orange and blue) he never fails to put a smile on my face. I am truly so happy to have my Daddy Don and all of the wonderful family he brought with him. He's adventurous and funny. I love you Daddy Don.

My Daddy Pat. I haven't known him for near as long, but I do know that he's the type of guy who would welcome three new women into his family with open arms and treat them as if they've always been there. He's helped me tremendously with choosing a college and actively making sure Ole Miss did everything they could to get me there (and it worked!!!). He's supported me and encouraged me through the past four years far beyond anything I could have expected or imagined. All of the trips to Oxford and Mt. Fuji have allowed me to grow closer with him and truly see his kindhearted character. I've seen him handle difficult situations with dignity and strength. I've seen him go from suits to Hawaiian shirts (a personal shocker for me). Thank you for everything Daddy Pat. Hotty Toddy. I love you.

I am one of the lucky ones. I have so many men in my life who have shaped me into the person I am today. I have an army of supporters and encouragers behind me. I do not know where I would be without each one of these wonderful men.  Words cannot and will not be able to describe the thanks I owe to each. I Love You All.