Christina Millington
Omineca Express
I must say time has flown by since arriving in Vanderhoof back in April.
I could use this space to tell you of my time here in Vanderhoof, or I can tell you of the support I have been getting from back home.
I’m sure you may be wondering why I want to talk about that. Well, this is why.
I have always been one to be adventurous, spontaneous and up for chancing my dreams.
I have had the love and support of my family and friends whom always encouraged being all that I can be. I realize that is a phrase so often used, nonetheless, it applies to my life.
My number one supporter, and the one I will be discussing throughout the remainder of this editorial is my Dad.
He has been my best friend, my role model, and my cheerleader. Someone I can count on to get me out of my head and back on track with what’s important – or should be important in my life.
It would seem we allow life’s “misfortunes” to get the best of us at times, or it could be that its our human nature to surround ourselves with negative connotations that arise in life, where we forget to look through it for the good.
I used to be very affectionate, always having to say “I love you” before bed, which would require hearing it back from my Dad before I could close my eyes.
Let me explain before I move on with what I mean by “used to be affectionate.” I have changed quite a bit through the years. I have become resistant to letting “people in,” not sure when or how that came about, however, its something I struggle with to this day.
My Dad was often the one to tuck my siblings and I in as children.
My sister and I shared a room, torture; nonetheless, we were Daddy’s little girls – who am I kidding, we were his Princesses.
My sister never needed that reassurance from our Dad that he did indeed love us, where I needed to hear it on a regular basis – hence the drawn out bedtime routines.
There’s something special about the relationship between a Father and his daughter(s).
Growing up, making friends, losing friends, falling in love, getting your heart broken – I always knew I would have that one person I could lean on, share my secrets with and know they would be that shoulder to lean on or be that calm, cool and collect voice that would make it all better.
To this day, I still call upon my Dad when I’m excited to share some news or when I need to let a few tears go over a lengthy phone call.
He always knows when to give input and when to let me pour my heart out. My Dad has this calming affect that melts my heart just thinking about it.
Being thousands of miles away from home I can’t help but appreciate the relationship my Dad and I.
“Distance makes the heart grow fonder.”