In 2007, I received word that I’d finaled in the Touched By Love writing contest and the winners would be announced at the Faith, Hope, & Love Conference in Dallas in July. I’d already paid and planned to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in September, also in Dallas that year. My husband didn’t have any extra time off to go and we didn’t want to spend the extra money.
When my parents learned about the contest, they decided to take me there and make a mini-vacation out of our trip, and fund the entire thing. In awe, I made the arrangements. The conference hotel was already full, but I found another with available rooms. Very expensive rooms, even with my special writers’ rate. Mama and Daddy approved, despite the cost. We talked about trips to the zoo and visiting Charlie Pride’s house, Daddy’s favorite singer.
Two weeks before our trip, Mama’s coworker had to take a medical leave. Which meant, Mama couldn’t go. Without her, and saddled with entertaining my active five year-old, I knew Daddy wouldn’t have as much fun.
I offered him an out. We didn’t have to go. It was early enough I could get the registration fee back and cancel the hotel. But, Daddy wouldn’t hear of it.
Me & Daddy Dancing
The day before the conference, Daddy, my son, and I set out for Dallas. Daddy drove most of the way. With one weakened and one surgically improved knee, we stopped often, so he could stretch. He refused to let me pay for gas, food, or even snacks.
Seven hours later, we arrived. The hotel was huge. Unwilling to make another trek, we piled high with luggage. Even my son was loaded down. We walked miles through the spiral parking deck, then crossed the busy highway to get to the entrance.
At the service desk, I learned our room was way on the other end. After checking in, I just knew Daddy’s knee would play out, but he trudged on, burdened with the majority of the suitcases.
Anxious bellboys lined the plush carpet in the long corridor. “Do you need help?”
“No.” I didn’t want Daddy spending any more money. He’d already paid for everything else.
We finally made it to the room and unloaded. All we wanted to do was stay put, but Daddy thought we should find the other hotel before morning.
My poor son lagged behind. “When do we get to swim?”
We took the elevator back down and asked for directions.
“A train leaves every thirty minutes.” The clerk handed me a confusing map. “It will take you right to that hotel.”
We went outside, in search of the train, only to find at least a dozen. The map didn’t make sense to either one of us. With helpful advice from the locals, we found the right train and managed to buy a ticket. Daddy’s bad knee continued to hold up.
“When can we swim?” My son asked, at least a dozen more times, on the way back to our room. Looking at our train tickets, I noticed it said they expired at midnight. In the morning, we would repeat the entire process.
Getting late by now, my son swam in the tub, then I took a shower. When I came out of the bathroom, Daddy was splayed on the other bed, still in his traveling clothes, already snoring.
The next morning, he wouldn’t hear of me walking the streets of Dallas, or riding a train alone. He and my son got up early with me, bought more tickets, rode the train, made sure I wound up at the right hotel, then headed back to our hotel and the pool.
Me & Daddy 2011
All day, I bragged to other attendees about my dad bringing me and entertaining my son. Numerous awwws resulted.
After the conference, I called Daddy. He and my son met me at the train station.
“I won second place.” My voice quivered with excitement.
“Second place. That’s great.” Daddy’s hair stood on end, waving in the wind. He and my son looked like prunes.
“Did y’all stay in the pool all day?”
“Most of it.” Daddy remained unperturbed.
All the way home, each time we stopped to get gas or stretch, he bragged on me. “This is my daughter. She’s a writer. She won second place in a big contest.”
“And this is my Daddy,” I said. “He drove me from Arkansas, so I could get my award.”
Back in the car, we discussed where to stop for supper. During the whole trip, he’d pointed out every IHOP he saw, then pulled in at the cheaper fast food places.
“Let’s go to IHOP and I’ll buy.”
We did, but he grabbed the ticket.
I mentioned that I’d come prepared to win third and be happy with that. Second was even better.
The folks & me 2018
“So, you knew you’d won something when you came?”
“Remember, I told you, they called and said I finaled, but I didn’t learn what place until today.”
“That was this conference?”
It was then I realized he had my conferences mixed up. He drove me all the way to Dallas and funded the entire trip, without realizing I’d won a thing, so I could be there just in case.
No, it’s not Father’s Day yet. But since Daddy had some pretty invasive heart surgery lately, my mind has been on my parents. He’s fine now, but it was kind of scary there for a while, when they had to go back in to stop some bleeding and then his Afib went into orbit. He was in the hospital for fifteen days. He told everyone I was his daughter, but he wasn’t at himself enough to tell them I was a writer. Or maybe after eighteen books, he’s used to it now. Whatever the case, he’s home now, my mom is waiting on him as much as he’ll let her, and he’s gaining strength and healing.
Most of my characters have a strong family unit, thanks to my charmed childhood and parents who still love each other after 57 years. The few characters I’ve written who have a difficult relationship with their parents has been a stretch for me, since I have no experience in the area. I’m blessed and grateful. Almost all of my heroines call their fathers, Daddy. Just like I do. Including Stacia from my latest release, A Texas Bond.
What’s the sweetest thing a family member or friend ever did for you? Answer & get in the drawing for a print copy of A Texas Bond. Deadline: June 5th. I will be on the road when this posts, but I’ll check for comments and answer in the evening.
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
One time my hubby bought me two books. We really didn’t have extra money, so it meant so much. He surprised me by putting one in the refrigerator and one in the laundry basket😊
Shannon, what an amazing daddy you have and what a beautiful testament of love! I read your post with tears rolling down my cheeks—your father sounds so much like my own, whom I lost in December to Covid.. He and Mama would have been married 62 years in June.
Since he’s passed, the world seems off-kilter. A part of me is missing. Like your father, Daddy was one of my biggest cheerleaders. He often told me, “You’re going to be a big hit someday. I believe in you, Hollywood.”
I don’t know about that, but the fact Daddy believed me is proof positive I won the jackpot of daddies. His confidence in me is what drives me forward. On the hard days I don’t feel like placing fingers to keyboard, I think of my father—a man who loved God and family beyond measure, and a man who without a doubt, believed his little girl would indeed write good books.
Thank you, Shannon. This was a balm this morning.
Aww, my eyes are leaking. What an amazing father you have. I grew up without my father around and I am so glad yours was there with you and is and will be still around to brag about you years from now. Congratulations!
That is one of the sweetest stories about a dad I have heard in a long time! You are so lucky!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I lost my Dad when I was 15, and 50 years after, I still mourn him
My Daddy was the same way! Daddy always cheered my Mom, my sisters, and I on. Mom sewed a lot of our clothes, and one year she made Daddy a jacket. Daddy wore it in a local fashion show, outside in the hot sun in a parking lot with a stage set up just for the fashion show. When Mom started making her own cards, Daddy loved to see what she’d done and tell others. My Daddy has been in his heavenly home for 25 years. Since losing Mom in December, it’s bringing all of the “feels” back from losing Daddy. Your post just helped me remember some of the good times!
My dad was a writer – mostly bad poetry LOL. I remember him at the typewriter, hunting and pecking to get his masterpieces down. I think he would have been so proud of me, but he died in 1998, long before I started writing, and 14 years before my first book was published.
What a loving and very special dad you have, I too was Blessed with a wonderful and loving dad. My dad was a very good provider, he and my mom Always made me and my 5 siblings Birthdays and holidays very Special. We never lacked anything. Your book sounds like a very good read and I love the book cover. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. I am so very happy that your dad is doing good. God Bless you and your family.
Oh, how sweet, Kelly. Books are always a good gift.
Oh Cynthia, I read your comment with tears in my eyes. I’m sorry you lost your Daddy. But I’m glad you can know he’s in Heaven waiting for you.
I can’t imagine not growing up without a dad, Dianne. I feel like fathers get the short end of the stick, like they’re not as important as moms. Mother’s Day is such a bigger deal than Father’s Day. At least you can know you have the Heavenly Father.
I am very lucky, Paula. And I know if he’d felt halfway like himself in the hospital, he’d have been telling everybody I wrote books.
I’m so sorry, Yvonne. That’s so sad. My husband’s dad died a dozen years ago. We still miss him terribly, but my sister-in-law has never been the same.
I’m so glad, Trudy. But I’m sorry both your parents are gone. After my mom lost her parents 4 years apart, she said she felt like an orphan. Even though she was in her sixties.
My parents write songs, Valerie. They tried to get some Country songs published back in the 70’s. And in the 90’s, they wrote some gospel songs. And got them published in some Singing Convention songbooks.
I bet your dad knows about your books.
I’m glad you had wonderful parents and a close family, Alicia. Birthdays should be special, especially when you’re a kid. Thanks for the well wishes.
sweetest gift I have recieved didn’t cost a penny but special to me, my daughter saved & dried some rose petals from a bouquet I had recieved then wrote me a beautiful poem and framed it with the rose petals.
That sounds lovely, Shelia. Very thoughtful. I have intentions to be thoughtful, but no follow through. I forget or don’t get around to it.
I find it interesting that many American and even Canadians still call their fathers Daddy when older. Here you don’t hear that very often (In Australia).
My dad died when I was almost 12 (had a stroke when I was 8) but I know he cared and on rides home from school on the 2 days a week we bought the local paper (came out in the afternoon Monday and Thursday) He would often buy me an Icecream.
As for special gifts my friend bought my 2 cats for me for a present.
I think Daddy is a southern girl thing, Ausjenny. I’m sorry you lost your dad at a young age, but I’m glad you have happy memories of him. I love cats, so that’s my kind of friend.
My Mom knew how much I loved Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys. When I was a tween, Mom purchased tickets so we could go. She had to have surgery that prevented her from taking me. My Dad took me instead. We had a Father/Daughter date night.
Oh I love that story Debra. I bet he loved taking you.
A very good friend offered to stay with my kids for the weekend so my husband and I could go away for our 20th anniversary. We hadn’t even planned to do anything other than a night out before she offered.
Shannon what a lovely story about your dad! Sounds like a real special time you & your son had with him on the trip. I wonder if you he didn’t tell you how much his knee was really hurting because he didn’t want to make you worry or fret about him….he wanted to make it special for you & not want to spoil anything. Parents or those we love often do that :-)
My dad wasn’t a good one so I had a skewed view of what a father was suppose to be. Since I also didn’t grow up in a Christian home, my view of God was the same. It took many years for me to give my heart to Him & to understand who He really was & what His nature is. A loving, giving father who doesn’t stand in judgement when I mess up. It wasn’t until I was finally able to forgive my dad that my view of God really took root in my heart. I wished I had a good example of an earthly father, but my husband has shown me what one is. Our kids are grown now, but the memories of my husband’s care, love & sacrifice for them stand out. I’m so blessed to have him in my life. :-)
Talking about my husband and answering your question, he surprised me by driving me to meet two of my authors, even though both times they were a couple of hours away. I was really debating whether to go or not, but he insisted because he knew how much I wanted to meet an author if I ever got the chance. Both times it was nice to have a day away & the highlight of course, was meeting those authors! I know he would do anything for me & it’s just extra sweet that he wants to bless me in special ways :-)
My husband stayed with me for 13 days while I had brain surgery as a late teen at 17 & never left my side. He even did it with our kids & he would let me sleep & he would stay up to take care of the baby at night.
My wife has done so many. She’s helped me at work while pregnant & up to the day before we had our first girl. She even stayed by my side when a tractor fell on me.
What a wonderful gift from a wonderful friend.
It was a special trip, Trixi. And I know his knee was killing him but he never said a word. He’s had both knee replacements since then. I’m so glad you found a Godly husband who will do anything for you know and your kids. My dad has always been like that and my husband is too.
That sounds like a wonderful man, Amy.
That sounds like a great wife, Sylvain. Be careful around those tractors.
I cat sat 2 cats for around 8 months for a Girl who became a good friend. (She moved here and then ended up not being able to have the cats where she was living) I knew I would miss them so much and my friend offered to buy me one for my birthday. The vet gave a good deal which was better than the shelter in where she was so got 2 at a discounted rate due to them bonding and being there so long. Henry is currently being confined to the house due to being attacked by a stray. My friend now can’t visit inside as shes Highly allergic to cats (she lives about a country hour away)
Wow. I’m glad you got the cats. I always say people who hate cats have never had one.
What a blessing to have such a dad. That trip was an incredible combination of love and recognition. How amazing!
He’s one of a kind, Lincoln. That picture of us dancing tells a story. He hung sheetrock and did drywall during my youth. He’d come home from working HARD 12 hour days, get cleaned up, and find the energy for me.
What a Beautiful story you have shared with your readers Thank you for sharing! I lost my Daddy when I was 18 years old and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t Think about him! Blessings To You!
I’m sorry Sarah. That makes my heart hurt. I can’t imagine. I’m glad you have haptic memories of him.
What a beautiful story! Such a blessing <3 thank you for sharing!
This is something my hubby do all the time – for me and for others – it used to drive me crazy that he can't say NO to anyone…. I understand now that it's his nature, God's gift even. Now I joke that he needs to be a counselor ;)
My dad and husband are the way about the No word, Natalya.