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Dad... A Daughter's First Love

I don't know how to live without you...

By Kristen BurgessPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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As I'm sitting here, trying to figure out how to start this off, I'm almost at a loss for words. Not because there's nothing to say about my dear old dad, but because there is so much to say about him, that I don't even know where to start. His name was Roger Whited; he was 57 years old, living his life to the fullest. He was a proud father to three beautiful daughters, an ecstatic grandpa, and an affectionate husband. A loyal friend, a beloved brother, a faithful son, and so much more. On August 15, 2018, this amazing man was taken away from us. The man who in my mind, would've lived until he was nearly 100, left this world so unexpectedly. At this time, I don't want to share the details of what was wrong with my sweet daddy, I just want to reminisce about the good memories for now.

Daddy was an incredible man, no doubt about it. This man knew no strangers, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and wind up with a new friend. He was a very kind hearted person, who would give the shirt off his back to help someone out, even if that person did him wrong. Like anyone else, he had a wild past, but he sure did turn his life around. Our dad became a faithful Christian many years ago after one of his brothers became a preacher; sometimes he felt too sick to go, but he always tried to make sure he was there every Sunday morning.

We may not have gotten to do everything we planned to, but we sure did have an amazing childhood. I remember Daddy putting me on his shoulders and carrying me through the field because I said my legs were too tired, and the grass was too itchy and tall.. I felt like I could take on the world. Dad never had a son, but I think he was just as happy with us girls. I remember many fishing trips with him, watching WWE and UFC together, riding on the tractor or four-wheeler with him. As I look at all the material things I have that he'd given me, I'm thankful and happy for them, but nothing is as special as the memories of him that I carry in my mind and in my heart.

Roger Lee was a jokester for sure, he always knew how to make someone laugh. I'll never forget his silly dance moves and his hilarious faces he'd make. It cracked me up when he would flirt with Momma, but I always thought it was the sweetest thing. Even after 24 years of marriage, they still romanced each other. Watching them showed me what true love looked like. When we would drive around he would sing in the silliest voices or just turn the radio full blast while we were sitting in a parking lot, making everyone turn and look at us but we would just dance and sing like no one was watching.

Daddy loved music, it was something we all bonded over. He loved ZZ Top, Van Halen, Moe Bandy, Johnny Cash, Aerosmith (my favorite), this list goes on and on. He also loved to read books; his favorite author was James Patterson, he always had his reading glasses and his book on the back of the couch.. Daddy loved to collect his books, and he also had a big Duck Dynasty "knick-nac" collection. I could tell you so much about him, but you'd be reading all day. It's just so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he's truly gone.

"I love you, Daddy," I'd say.

"I love you too, babydoll." I will never forget those words, I loved it when he'd call me his babydoll. I know he loved me, that he loved all of us, it was undeniable. I just wish I could hear him say it one more time. I don't know what to do without him, or how to function. I said before that I didn't want to live in this world without him; that's still true, but I know when it's my time to leave this world we will meet again.

We will never forget him, we couldn't even if we tried.. I will never let his memory or his legacy fade away, my babies will always know who their Pa was and how much he loved them. In my eyes, there has never been a greater man than my dad. He was my hero, my best friend, my rock and my safe place. I would give anything to hear one more story from him about his past, one more "I'm so proud of you, Kristen", one more silly joke.

Cherish your loved ones while they are here, because you really never know when it'll be their time to go. Take a million pictures together, say "I love you" every two seconds, make as many memories as possible. If there is something you want to go do with them, do it now, don't wait.. just make it happen. I guess its true when they say, "You don't know what you've got until it's gone."

grief
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About the Creator

Kristen Burgess

I'm 21 years old & married with two children. My family is my world! In my free time I enjoy writing poems & stories, drawing, scrapbooking.. Just anything that allows me to create something. :)

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