Happy Father's Day
By Arieanna Grammatico
To know me is to know my Dad. I feel as though the best parts of who I am, come from him and the values he’s bestowed upon me during my life.
So, today I’d like to share what my father means to me.
The Coach’s Daughter
From the start of my softball career, my father was there. Not just as a supporter but as my coach. He was the coach of my very first travel team, the Vipers. (I love how creative travel teams get with their names)
Anyway, playing for the Vipers, I fell in love with the sport and bonded with my father in a whole new way. Now, he wasn’t ‘just’ my Dad; he was my coach, guiding me, supporting me, and showing me tough love when I needed it.
Our bond grew in ways only sports can make happen — experiencing the joy of victory, the agony of defeat, and every small success and failure along the way.
Throughout my softball career, my Dad was always my coach. Whenever people found out, they would mention how cool or awesome it was, and it truly was a remarkable experience. I could tell a million stories about those days, but today I’ll just share one.
I was about twelve years old and playing in a tournament. The count was even, and I was hit hard in the hands by a pitch. Somehow, the umpire didn’t see it, and my at-bat continued. I was so mad and frustrated, I started losing my cool a bit, and my Dad told me to keep it together. He told me just to stay focused and assured me I had this. On the next pitch, I hit a home run so hard and far that I actually broke a car window! It was glorious and awesome and just one of many examples I have of my Dad being there for me and giving me the slight push and encouragement I needed to get the job done.
Always there
When I left for college, it was the first time my father wouldn’t be my coach in any way. The roles might have changed between my father and me, but the love and support were just as strong as ever. He was at every game, cheering me on and giving me the support I needed.
During the summer, it felt like the good old days with him helping me train and get better. My Dad’s love and care were something I could always feel and connect to. He was always there for me. Sacrificing his time and energy to make sure I was doing well. I’m not a parent myself, but I look at who my Dad is and the kind of father he’s been to me, and I hope I can be like him for my kids one day. The love he demonstrates has always been inspiring to me.
My final game for Oakland
Playing for Oakland was not just a joy but the privilege of a lifetime. I will always represent the Golden Grizzlies to the fullest.
On my final game for Oakland, I had a wave of emotions — joy because of the years I had and sadness because it was my last game. Yet, I was obviously trying to compete as hard as possible to win.
When my last game was over, I immediately talked with my Dad about my time here. He told me I went out in a great way and mentioned how proud he was of everything I accomplished. Hearing those words when you already feel so many different emotions was just too much.
I was just overwhelmed, and there were definitely both happy and sad tears shed that night. It may be the end of my chapter here at Oakland, but it’s just the beginning of my next one, and I’m so happy to have my Dad here helping me guide through this time, too.
I often feel we take our parents and guardians for granted, but I try every day to make sure I don’t.
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My Dad's love and care were something I could always feel and connect to. He was always there for me. Sacrificing his time and energy to make sure I was doing well. I'm not a parent myself, but I look at who my Dad is and the kind of father he's been to me, and I hope I can be like him for my kids one day. The love he demonstrates has always been inspiring to me.
Thanks, Dad!
We know our parents love us; they tell us all the time.
I just hope my Dad knows I love him just as much. So, today I want to thank my Dad. For all the extra hours he spent with me and all of his support throughout my life.
He has been not just an incredible father but an amazing friend.
I love you, Dad, and I’m so lucky and happy to be your daughter! You are appreciated, and your hard work and effort do not go unnoticed.
And for everyone reading this, maybe call your parents, hug them, and tell them you love them today. We never know what the future holds, so today might be the best time to tell them.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
I love you!
