In ode to Father's Day in America (that's right, Australia has Father's Day in September) I've decided to not only give thanks to my daddy, but to the rest of the whacky, crazy, beautiful Rooney family as well.
*WARNING*
*THIS BLOG CONTAINS EXTREME SAPPINESS AND HEART-FELT WORDS. IF YOU HAVE A WEAK HEART DO NOT CONTINUE READING THIS BLOG*
On March 10th my parents and little sister took the ultimate plunge and traveled all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee to Sydney to come visit me. And let me tell you...IT WAS INCREDIBLE seeing them again. Even though living in today's world while traveling means that you can call them whenever you want, text, Facebook, and Skype...it's just still not the same. And 9 months without a hug from my parents...needless to say it was quite a loud reunion when they came stumbling out of customs...
~To My Little Sister~
Britt, little b, Britters, Brit-a-ny...I love you like crazy you wild little thing. It's hard to believe you'll be 21 this year AND starting your third year at Uni! I'm so happy to see you become a foxy little lady the older you get and I can't wait to see what else there is in store for the two of us.
Thank you for choosing to spend your 2013 Spring Break in Sydney with me. You have no idea how much that meant. I'm glad you got to see this place and experience this way of life and since HERE you're at the legal age to go party, I'm glad you came out that last night with Gussie and I...even if it did get a little crazy :)
- Stay strong and stay YOU.
- College is the time to learn and explore and discover, but always make sure to stay true to who you really are.
- Make sure to love hard - so hard you might even fall on your face...but it's totally worth it in the end.
- And as soon as you turn 21 this year...GET OUT THERE AND PARTY YOUR PANTS OFF FOR ME :)
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands."
Love you forever and always <3
~To My Momma Bear~
I got so incredibly lucky to be born to a wonderful mother like you. We've had our ups and downs - we've butted heads and laughed so hard we both started to cry. Such great memories, momma bear. I'm glad to say that the older I've gotten, the more our bond has strengthened. I feel like you're not just my mom now, but another sister, and a best friend when I need you to be. You're full of the best advice and kindest, heart-felt sentiments - ESPECIALLY when I need them most.
I know you were the one who had the most trouble letting me go when I decided to throw all caution to the wind and begin the solo backpacker life. I know it scared you, and I remember all the fears you confessed to me about it. But, looking back on that now, I think it's truly incredible for you to be so kind and accepting of my way of life now. It may not be what you and daddy initially had in store for me, but I think you'd agree when I say that it has all definitely turned out better than any of us could have hoped for.
I'm SO incredibly thankful that you and dad and Brit took the time to come all the way out to Australia to see me. And I was even extra proud for you guys to come out with open minds about everything. You guys were so accepting! And then when me, you, dad, and Gus went to New Zealand so you could see my favorite city on earth...yeah, that was the icing on the cake of an incredible vacation. You and daddy are the best parents a girl could ever ask for.
"I got to grow up with a mother who taught me to believe in myself. What a rare gift that truly is."
Can't wait to see what the future holds, momma bear. I love you unconditionally <3
~To My Daddy~
And last but not least...it's time for a sappy moment about my daddy. The number one man in my life, first and forever. My role model and my confidant. Dad...I cannot possibly begin to thank you enough for all of the lessons you have taught me over the years - especially the ones that I wasn't so willing to accept when I was younger. Whether you realize it now or not, but those lessons and every word of wisdom you gave to me then, I've incorporated into my life now. Yes, believe it or not, I WAS listening ;)
I'm extremely glad that you came out to Sydney to see me, mostly because I think it was you who wanted me to come and live back at home the most. And for you to come out here and see Sydney, experience the way of life on the Northern beaches, and see just how happy this country makes me...well I could see it in your face from the very first day - in that moment you knew. And in that moment I think you accepted it all, and threw yourself head-first into Sydney life. Especially getting back in the surf...I can't wait to get you back out here again!
But daddy, I must say, you and mom have done one hell of a job raising Britt and I and molding us into strong, confident, independent young women. I couldn't have possibly imagined a better father than you. It's super, SUPER hard being so far away from you guys now, but I must say...I think the four of us are closer now than we have ever been before. We talk all the time, and I love that I can confess my fears, worries, and concerns to you and always know that you will give me honest feedback and advice. It's more comforting than I can possibly put into words that I always have you there, no matter what.
"A dad is someone who:
-is his daughter's first love
-will be there for you no matter how bad of a mistake you've made
-will stand up for you when you need him
-will give you hugs and a shoulder to cry on whenever you need it
-promises you that you'll always be his little girl
-loves you so much that he'll sacrifice whatever is needed to keep you happy and safe"
I'll always be your little girl, daddy. I love you <3
Alright guys, enough of the cuteness. I just figured it was about dang time I told my family just how much I truly love them and appreciate EVERYTHING they've done for me.
~Little Blonde Traveler
