Sarie Tocket grew up convinced that her dad is the real-life Superman.
Despite being a "rough and tough blue-collar man," this Texas woman knows that her dad, Dean, turned to a ball of mush the moment he became a father. "His love is the kind that can move mountains and sets a high standard for future boyfriends [1]," she shared with the Love What Matters Facebook page. "He's always been a hero to me."
Despite his unconditional love, Sarie wasn't prepared for her first heartbreak [2], but it was Dean who picked up the pieces. "I was 20- years-old when a guy broke my heart into a million pieces on Thanksgiving Day. My dad physically caught me as I crumbled to the floor, sobbing so hard I saw spots," she wrote. "Looking back, I know his heart was breaking too."
As friends and family took turns checking on Sarie during the aftermath of that breakup, it was her father that she confided in the one thing that kept haunting her. "I am so used to getting a 'good morning text' from him [her ex] everyday," she told her dad. "Before I even get out of bed it hits me like a ton of bricks. It is a daily reminder that it's over… he isn't coming back."
From that day forward, Dean started sending Sarie a "good morning" text and has made it his own tradition. "His texts include inspirational quotes, heartfelt messages of encouragement and reminders of how much he loves me," she wrote. "That was seven years ago. He never stopped. I have moved on, moved away and found an amazing man but my Superman came to my rescue."
For Sarie, her dad is an example of selflessness, hard work, not taking yourself too seriously, and unconditional love. "He never fails to say 'I love you.' He will tell you every morning, every night and twice on Sunday. But if you watch closely you can see it in action," she wrote. "I have watched him fiercely love my mother for over 30 years; he still brings her flowers, pulls her in for a slow dance in the kitchen and writes her love notes."
For all of the loving fathers who strive to always support their girls, Sarie has something that she wants them to know:
When a man like that sits at the center of your universe, it makes you feel as though anything is possible. That kind of confidence in a little girl is unmatched. That little girl can be fearless.
You may not know it but your little girls are watching your every move and hanging on your every word. We thank you for never letting us forget how special we are.
