"Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express."-- Joseph Addison

On a brisk Christmas morning, in 1988, a babbling and bubbly 3 year old tore through the house, to get to the presents Old Saint Nick had left for her. She squealed with happiness when she saw the giant, 3 foot tall, doll house sitting in the middle of the living room. It was exactly what she'd wanted.

Christmas eve, 9 years later, an excited 12 year old girl, quickly read the tag on her large package. "To: Ashley Love: Papa", it read. She ripped the paper off, to reveal a brand new karaoke machine. It was exactly what she'd wanted.

On Christmas morning, in 2001, a groggy 16 year old girl, slowly shuffled her way towards the tree. Underneath the tree, laid a brand new skateboard, with a tag that read "To: Ashley Love: Santa" Even though she no longer believed in santa, and hadn't in a while, She knew who it was from. It was exactly what she'd wanted.

When Christmas eve arrived, 4 years later, a tired, 20 year old, sat on the couch bouncing her new baby. A small box sat on her lap, with a tag that read "To: Ashley Love: Papa". Inside was money and a business card. Six guitar lessons. It was exactly what she'd wanted.

On Christmas day, 2006, a happy 21 year old sat at Christmas brunch. A package in front of her with a tag that read "To: Papa Love: Ashley". It was a pair of pajamas and a shirt. It was exactly what he'd wanted.

Every year, as far back as I can remember, no matter the money situation, Papa always made sure that I got exactly what I wanted for Christmas. And this year, all I want for Christmas is to walk through the door and see Papa, sitting in his chair, laughing with the family, and having a good time again.

I love and miss you, dad. So much.