Her Favorite Word

Elizabeth has Expository Writing this semester, and her first assignment was to write an essay about her favorite word. As soon as I read it, I knew I had to share her essay with you here.
So, go ahead and read.
And, um, I dare you not to cry!

Daddy. What a spectacular word! You can say it in whatever tone you want, and it still sounds right. You can say it in a deep, comical voice. Or you can say it in a high pitched, excited voice. You can whisper it or scream it. You can state it or sing it, bellow it or burp it. You can say it when you’re crying or when you’re laughing, and it will always sound meaningful and reassuring.

Chirp it at the dinner table, and you get a listening ear, ready and interested to hear you tell about your day. Cry it out at night when you are scared, and suddenly there are sheltering arms around you.

It is a word full of love and hope and butterfly kisses. It is tenderness and protection and friendship. It is wisdom, it is insight, and it is comforter.

It brings on memories of that night once a year, where he would take his princess out on a date, and they would dance together. It brings memories of chaotic shrieks and laughter in the middle of a game of tickle wrestle. Or that time when he taught his little girl to ride a bike. Memories of long car rides with deep conversations, and trips to the ice cream shop.

When you are sad, “daddy” is the go-to word. When you are happy, it’s all you want to say! One thing is for sure: My daddy has made a great impact in my life in order to make this word so special to me.