Dear Dad:
I took this photo for you. I know one day you would like to see me happily married. As you know, I always had to do things a little differently. Some of us work on a different time line. You found your best friend around the age of 50. Maybe I take after you?
To be honest I'm not sure I will ever get married nor am I sure I need to. However, what I do know is one day I would like to find my best friend and partner in crime in this lifetime. That said, I had some things I just needed to work out on my own/learn first and get to know who I really am before "he" showed up. I am also clear I would rather be alone, than be in the wrong relationship. I would rather be alone for the right reasons than in a relationship for the wrong ones. And let's be honest, if I do get married, it probably wouldn't be a traditional wedding. I would most likely run away to some island with a few people I love to celebrate with and turn up back home married.
Since I was all dressed up in a pretty white dress for Diner en Blanc last night with my beautiful sister on hand and a few of my best friends, I thought I would take what we can call my "bridal party" photo. It's myself and my gorgeous matron and maids of honor. I felt loved last night, had fun, and I am happy.
If you want, you can put the photo in a frame alongside the photos of your three other children from their wedding days and we can just pretend this is mine. Because you know what, I love myself, know I am making good choices for myself and I know you love me. I am sorry you weren't there for our "pretend" father daughter dance, but maybe we can do one in the living room next time I see you. I will let you pick your favorite Broadway show tune if you want.
If you would feel better superimposing my "groom" in, any of the following would work: Woody Harrelson, Hugh Jackman (as Wolverine), Wes Bentley, Gerard Butler (in his 300 outfit), Taylor Kitsch, Chris Evans (sans Captain America uniform), or Jake Ryan from 16 Candles. Hey...it is my fantasy wedding after all.
Please know you did a good job being a father and I turned out just fine.
I love you,
Sandy
