(Dear Caitlin: A Continuation.)

It is hard to believe but we are down to just a few days until you are married. Wow, my baby married. I am so excited! As I told you before, it is a day I have been looking forward to since the day you were born. It ain’t easy being Dad during these times, so bear with me.

With that being said, my nostalgic feelings of you are coming in waves. I keep thinking back on so many memories like being with you by the river and skipping stones. I always thought times like that were extra special as we would just throw rocks, hang out, and have those “Daddy/Daughter” times that meant the world to me. Dollar movies where we would go and watch some interesting movies for a buck. “Curley Sue” with James Belushi was one of our favorite movies for a buck as was the Dan Aykroyd movie “My Girl“. That one made us cry. We were such suckers for mushy movies. Moments I will always cherish. So many memories stamped on my brain. (This picture was taken during those times of going to the dollar movies.)

The “It Takes Two” movie that we enjoyed multiple times still sticks in my head with Kirstie Alley and the Olsen Twins. Probably a dumb movie but we sure liked it. Maybe it was because it involved a wedding. We also loved the song from Marvin Gaye. The lyrics explain why we liked it so much.

One can have a dream, baby
Two can make that dream so real
One can talk about bein’ in love
Two can say how it really feels
One can wish upon a star
Two can make that wish come true, yeah
One can stand alone in the dark
Two can make the light shine through

It takes two, baby, it takes two, baby
Me and you, just take two
It takes two, baby, it takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just take two

One can have a broken heart, livin’ in misery
Two can really ease the pain like a perfect remedy
One can be alone in the far, like an island he’s all alone
Two can make just-a any place seem just like a-bein’ home

It takes two, baby, it takes two, baby
Me and you, just take two
It takes two, baby, it takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just take two

Oh, one can go out to a movie, lookin’ for a special treat
Two can make that single movie somethin’ really kinda sweet
Yeah, one can take a walk in the moonlight, thinkin’ that it’s really
Nice
A-but two walkin’ a-hand in hand is like addin’ just a pinch of spice

Yeah, it takes two, baby, it takes two, baby
Me and you, just take two
It takes two, baby, it takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just take two

As I have told you, Caitlin, I have some regrets and you know that things weren’t always easy. One thing that I hope I have left with you, is that no matter what life deals you, never take the easy way out. You never quit and never give up. Nothing worthwhile is easy. There will be ups and there will be downs and I hope you have seen in me the willingness to keep on keeping on. Your marriage has to be most important. After all “it takes two” — you and Bryan.

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, The Living Bible version really nails it. ⁴ Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, ⁵ never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. ⁶ It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. ⁷ If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.

When you read verse 7, I hope that you have seen in me the concept that love and loyalty go hand in hand. In today’s world you don’t see much loyalty hence not a whole lot of love. Clearly those words are hard to live up to but you do the best you can.

Caitlin, life will throw you many a curve and at times you may feel disillusioned and unfulfilled. Some friends will probably desert you. There will be those that you love and respect that will probably let you down. There will be others who may try to sabotage your happiness. Loyalty is often thrown out the window. You will have disappointments. As I like to say, “It is what it is.” But it is also okay. I’ve been knocked down but I got up again. Even our friend Mac Powell wrote in the song “Tunnel“,

You’ve got your disappointments and sorrows
You ought to share the weight of that load with me
Then you will find that the light of tomorrow
Brings a new life for your eyes to see 

There will always be light at the end of the tunnel. I trust that you have seen in me, the willingness to put family first and to value family above all others.  The motivation of never wanting to let you down (even though I know I have) have helped me through my darkest days and helped keep me grounded.

I could have a whole bunch of other advice for you (like put your car in park before getting out–that is supposed to make you laugh, Caitlin) but that is for another day. (You know it’s a coming.) You are an extremely smart woman. You are marrying an extremely smart and talented young man. It takes two; you and Bryan to make it happen successfully.

In closing, I am so proud of you. You have done things the right ways.

Listen baby, ain’t no mountain high,
Ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough baby
If you need me call me no matter where you are,
No matter how far; don’t worry baby
Just call my name; I’ll be there in a hurry
You don’t have to worry, 

Simpson, Valerie / Ashford, Nickolas

No matter the circumstance I want you to know that I will always love you. You will always be my little girl and you can always call me and I will be there.

I love you,

Dad

P.S. I am so happy for you and so excited to see you marry the man you have chosen, Bryan. I can hardly wait! Enjoy the Moment!

#CloudyEverAfter