 I was with some friends tucked way in the back, behind where you were sitting on the lawn. As I settled in, I saw you and noticed you with your daughter and your black t-shirt, ripped jeans and pierced ears.
The music started and Ed pulled off a good show, but the show that you and your daughter put on was much more memorable to me. The gentle way you sat there with your sweet little girl and experienced the music with her was heartwarming. She knew all the songs and I got to watch her sing and dance, all the while never losing contact with you, like you were home base. Clearly that’s what you are to her in more ways than one. I noticed you held her up so she could see the jumbo screens. When you did, she looked you right in the eyes and sang to you. I could tell how much she loves you. You held her up for a long time; your arms must have been tired. But you held. I noticed that you didn’t spend any time looking at your phone or drinking beer—which is what so many of your peers were doing that night. Instead you looked at your daughter and filled her up with a wonderful gift: Your presence and your undivided attention. You made that night all about her and she had so much fun. Earlier when I said that I saw you, I really didn’t see you at all. I missed the opportunity the first time around. But you were kind enough to give me another chance, and as the night went on I definitely saw you. Your actions spoke volumes. I could go on, but I wanted to just thank you for the show and for being a great dad to your adorable girl. Ed rocked… but young guy who took his daughter to see Ed Sheeran, you were way better. God Bless. Abby Listen to my radio interview about this blog post that aired on Cincinnati's Q102, 9.23.15.
92 Comments
Tam
9/22/2015 01:53:01 pm
That is worth its weight in gold. Such a wonderful memory for both of them. Are you paying attention people? Be present. Live in the moment and put your phones down!
Aaron
9/22/2015 04:34:36 pm
You say that from your phone
Dennis
9/23/2015 12:54:06 pm
Amen.. put your phones down...
Barbara smith
9/28/2015 08:18:23 am
I loved this story you don't see any kids getting this privilege around ky which I don't get out very much most kids wouldn't know what too do if their parent or parents showed them this kind of attention this is a special dad very rare!!
Nikita
9/22/2015 03:01:43 pm
I was there as well that night and saw them a few rows behind me, it stopped me and I looked back a few times. It's wonderful seeing that sort of relationship between a father and daughter!
Sylvia
9/22/2015 03:21:42 pm
I was to his left I looked at them all night !
Carla
9/22/2015 03:33:00 pm
I was not there young man with the beautiful daughter but wish I would have bought a ticket now as I did want to see the the concert. But I also would have enjoyed the show you and your beautiful daughter had given. This may be the best love story I have read in my entire life. God bless the 2 of you as a father is truly a daughters 1st and last love.. God bless you also Ms. Abby for sharing such a beautiful story.
Kari
9/22/2015 03:33:44 pm
I wasn't there but your post made my heart so happy. Good daddies are hard to find these days. My babies are so lucky to have one of the good ones. Thank you for sharing!
Kim
9/22/2015 04:37:30 pm
I agree Kari. Loved reading that. So much bad in this world, need more real life stories like that one. 9/24/2015 01:22:21 am
Good Dads are not so hard to find...There are so many GOOD DADS just begging for a chance to do just as this young man did, spend valuable irreplaceable time with their children, the only thing stopping them is a vindictive ex trying to wipe them totally out of their children's life and a uncaring family court system that allows it...search facebook and you will find hundreds of groups, with thousands of dads begging, fighting with all their might for a chance to show their babies just how much they love them.
Devin
9/24/2015 06:26:52 am
Exactly!
Jason
9/24/2015 06:02:05 pm
So true. I was one of them. Since the day she was born. She is and always will be my world!
Kamiko
9/25/2015 04:24:19 am
this happened to me. i am female, and i got a judge that mostly awarded the children to the parent who had money. i had none, that was my only crime. eventually due to my low income, i lost all visitation, and eventually she was hidden from me.
Brittany
9/29/2015 02:34:31 pm
If you are one of those dads...... don't worry karma will come around. I was one of those daughters. Mother ran away with me told me terrible things about my father my whole childhood. Not knowing he was trying to find me and when he finally did at the age of 8-9 and she refused to let him speak to me. So I grew up.... joined the army at 17 and at 19 when my duty station was changed from Fort sill Oklahoma to Fort Stewart Georgia, I stopped on my drive for the night in tenessee and called my best friend and gave her my credit card number since my computer was packed in my car and told her I didn't care how much it cost to look up a phone number just find my dad. 30 minutes later I dialed the first number she gave me, a man answered hello I said is this mark and before I could even say who I was he blurted out Brittany nicole? And then the tears flowed. I stopped in Alabama the next day on my drive to meet my father for lunch and the whole family, grandparents aunts uncles cousins were all standing outside Applebee's holding up signs like I was getting off a plane. One of the most special moments in my life. I'm closer to my dad now than I could have ever imagined and he walked me down the aisle this past June and gave me away to my son's father. Best happy ending ever. Don't give up dad's and don't get discouraged. Your kids will get curious one day and you could just have a happy ending too. Much love.
Abby Messner
9/29/2015 03:36:14 pm
Brittany, that is so beautiful...thank you for sharing. You are so brave to have put yourself out there to find out if what you felt in your heart was true. And it was..he loved you all along!! Chills and tears happening over here for your happy ending. xoxo 9/22/2015 03:50:22 pm
I wasn't at the concert, didn't know he was in town ugggh how did I miss it :( I will also tell anyone tha good daddies are hard to find. Would totally melt my heart if I was there and seen this
Donna Fields
9/22/2015 03:54:30 pm
SO MANY dad's. Forgot THEY. Had Little. daughter. At grandma's living an buy toys material.things but no LOVE THIS IS A DAD AN YOU NO ITS GREAT THANK YOU FOR SHOWING DADS WHAT A REAL DADDY IS AN MY LITTLE GRANDAUGHTER YOU DESERVE THIS ALL DADS LOVE EM WHILE THEY ARE LITTLE MINE NOT HAD ONE FOR A YEAR YES MATERIAL ONLY.
Suzanne
9/22/2015 04:17:05 pm
Such a great reminder that great fathers are among us. Has anyone found out who this happens to be. Hopefully he is encouraged and reminded daily of the impact he is making not only on his daughter, but also those around him.
Jessica
9/22/2015 05:36:27 pm
How amazing it truly is to have the realization that here's this little girl being taken to see a big-name super star, but all she could care about was having fun with her daddy... This people is the true meaning of blessings...
Debra Browning
9/26/2015 12:46:21 pm
Karen would you be so kind as to tell me how to contact this father. I would like to tell him I am very proud of him.
Karen sexton
9/22/2015 06:06:30 pm
I happen to know this young dad...and he is everything you wrote about.
Kerri
9/23/2015 03:19:18 pm
Karen,
Debbie
9/23/2015 06:35:26 pm
I hope you're able to connect with him !!
Shelley
9/23/2015 09:08:25 pm
Very kind of you!
Jamie
9/23/2015 11:23:03 pm
I would love to send a gift to this young man for standing up and being the true meaning of the word father. The love he has for his daughter is so heart warming and shows hope for the younger generation and well actually even the older ones. I have watched my niece and nephews dads not be in their lives and has been what has held me back from having a child. This man has shown what a father should be. His little girls everything and world. Congratulations on father of the year!!! Truly heart warming.
Debra Browning
9/26/2015 12:44:05 pm
Karen can you give me a bit of info. I would like to write a letter to him, I want to thank him, and tell him how proud I am of him.
Jennifer
9/22/2015 06:29:12 pm
What an awesome thing to witness. What an awesome dad.
Teresa Masterson
9/22/2015 06:33:43 pm
Karen please make sure this father sees this person's post. I am sure it will make his day! Just amazingly beautiful.
Jan Boldt
9/22/2015 06:52:08 pm
Wow Abby! Thank you for your beautiful observation of this loving Dad who took the time to be present to his daughter and sharing the music they both obviously enjoy. I will share your observations with my friends because I so enjoy your writing.
David
9/22/2015 06:56:41 pm
I'm a single father of 4, and this touches my Heart. Hats off to this father... As I get my kids Every weekend, I know there is nothing more precious that loving your kids. Giving them attention, your full attention. They will never remember the things you buy them, but the memories you make will last forever.... Thanks for inspiring me... Our kids deserve the best of us, Not whats left of us.
Jo
9/22/2015 07:02:26 pm
What is just as cool Abby is that you took the time to let that dad know how he impacted you........I hope he sees your message!
Barbara
9/22/2015 07:32:49 pm
Wow...that was beautiful and so heartfelt. Take notice Dads....let this man help you see how important you are in your children's lives. They deserve to be a part of your world.
Melissa himmelheber
9/22/2015 09:59:20 pm
Wow! I have no words other than this is very moving. I felt like I was there by just reading this. It truly moved me. I lost my child at the age of 24 and we had this kind of relationship. God Bless and kudos to this Father:) 9/22/2015 10:20:51 pm
This was wonderful to read. I lost my daddy at 11 and never had this kind of thing. I would have given anything to have all of my daddy's attention.
Linda S
9/22/2015 10:40:40 pm
That is what you call a REAL DAD!
Karen Roberts
9/22/2015 11:04:06 pm
Dear young man /dad, I lost my daddy many years ago when I was 8 I am now 53 and still miss him. My advice to you is keep doing what you're doing. Spending time with your daughter is the best gift you can give her.
Dora
9/22/2015 11:12:07 pm
I love this story..I was not at the concert. but my first thought with all the wonderful stories was, this was just a practice of her wedding day!!! Daddy's little girl...very touching...
jamie
9/22/2015 11:36:26 pm
Aww what a amazing story, I wish my daughters father was even a tad bit of a father he is. Great story, thanks for sharing
witchy oneami
9/23/2015 07:51:24 am
I have to say that I was blessed in the fact that I chose a wonderful man to be the father of my daughters!
Robert
9/23/2015 08:12:40 am
It's sad that we expect so little from fathers that, that when we see dads doing what they are supposed to be doing we get extremely happy! "He feed his kids dinner, he's such a great father!". I am a father of two, and my children are my world. My days are filled with normal "parent" activities...brushing their teeth, packing lunches, taking them to school, practice, ect. It always amazes me when people see this as rare! More Men need to step up and do their jobs as fathers so it becomes normal to see this type of thing!
Becky
9/24/2015 09:47:54 am
Amen
Christine
9/23/2015 08:45:24 am
This little family deserves free tickets for life!
Angela powell
9/23/2015 09:43:31 am
This is so awesome wish more guys was like this 9/23/2015 10:50:38 am
My daughter and her grandma went to this. Wish I could have! But this makes my heart happy. What a lucky little girl to have such a great dad! I have 3 daughters and their father is not involved in their lives. I can see their hearts breaking and it kills me inside. I don't understand how you could choose to be in your child's life. Anyhow, thanks for being a dad that people can look up to. Are you single? ;) lol, kidding.
Rhonda
9/23/2015 10:56:25 am
What a lovely thing this man did for his daughterh
Patty
9/23/2015 12:19:36 pm
Newsflash! Ed Sheeran is not for little kids! He's got a couple of cute romantic songs, but the majority of it has sex, bad language, and drug talk. I LOVE Ed Sheeran, but I can only play a handful of picked out songs in the car with my five year old. I would scale it at least a PG-13. I think it's horrible to bring a little one to a show where they're singing "Don't F#%$ with my love!" over and over and singing about a prostitute dying from Heroin use. What the heck, people! Get a clue! That's HORRIBLE parenting.
Ashley
9/23/2015 04:48:03 pm
You're the one that needs the newsflash Patty - You can't shelter your kids forever the songs are on the radio and they will eventually hear them.
Jessica
9/24/2015 12:55:01 pm
I took my almost 9 year old son... hos first concert. We bought tickets before they went on sale to public. I have always loved concerts and my son is a HUGE music fan. He loves Ed. He sang and danced his heart out the entire show. I teared up watching him and posted several videos on FB. Most of his songs that may be on the dirtier side aren't obvious. My son heard him say the word sex once and that was it. This is a memory both my son and I will always remember!
Shirley
9/24/2015 12:25:58 am
Patty why would you say such ugly useless things. The point to all of this was about a love that is shared between a daughter and her father. Maybe you see life in a different way, but judge not lest ye be judged. Horrible Parenting!!! Are you on drugs. This is what I call an honest loving kind man and a terrific father. In case you haven't noticed, this world is not all about the right songs, or whatever it is you think makes a difference in being a bad dad!!!!! Turn the news on, same thing, cartoons are this way, some Christian shows I have seen have been less then promising. Get your head out of the hate department and humble yourself and be kind.
Brittany
9/24/2015 12:35:56 am
Oh shush.quit trying to ruin the moment...
deb
9/24/2015 08:26:00 am
Hey patty, that is what is partly wrong with our kids today is that they are to sheltered. I'm sure she will be fine from hearing a few F-bombs. Your missing the whole point to the story. So sad you couldn't enjoy it. I agree with so many of you! Patty if the daddy that was obviously so attentive to so many people with this little girl. Don't you think that it's possible that they may like the music & sing to it, that he has had that talk about the lyrics with her? Sometimes it's not all about the words but the way the music makes them feel! Love, happiness & music must play a big part between the 2 of them! Go to a Web page that just trashes dads if that's what you're into. Let this daddy & daughter go on without judgement. God Bless them & I'll pray for all 3 of you. Good day!
.....
9/24/2015 09:07:25 am
Go somewhere else with ur negativity!!!
Kebra
9/24/2015 09:49:50 am
I'm gonna have to agree somehow a concert with a bunch of drunken adults and not kid appropriate music isn't what a good parent should do...thought that was common sense. Glad he just ignore her but when doing adult things leave the kids at home. They are young don't show them the nasty of this world so young!
Lisa Chavez
9/24/2015 07:11:08 pm
Patty, your missing the whole point!!!! Be happy for that child who has the memory of her and her father singing and dancing!!!! There always has to be someone to be negative. That is you!! Who are you to judge his parenting? Your not God so stating " horrible parenting" is not your call to judge!!!!
Jason
9/23/2015 12:49:48 pm
Petty..I mean Patty. You might consider the reality of the world around us before labeling a gentleman as such as a horrible parent. Some parents never find the right ways to address the unsavories in life. Perhaps there are lessons to be learned from these artists who speak about truths and hurts and loves that mainstream will only gloss over. The connection is what is most important..with connection comes a deeper understanding. This girl is blissed to have a father who will likely be there every step of her way, growing into the adult who has to learn of these things any damn way. Great observation. Great story. And an absolutely perfect start to my day..thanks for sharing! Signed, a childless 35 y/o fella who gets it. Thanks again Abby!
Michelle
9/23/2015 06:40:09 pm
This. Is. Beautiful. I haven't seen so many heartfelt comments in a long time. Thank you to Abby, the young father and daughter, and everyone who supports their time together. There will always be nay sayers but that's what makes this even more beautiful. In all their negativity and perceived perfection, they simply missed the point. Blessings to all of you.
Peggy
9/23/2015 07:30:32 pm
Best darn story. Two of my girls grew up with their dad not giving two nickles about them. Finally my third marriage I found a man just like this one. I salute you dad. Keep up the good memories.
Joyce
9/23/2015 07:58:32 pm
My daughter lost her father when she was just 3 1/2 years old. She grew up not having a father in her life and it's hard on her today (she's 19 now). She ask about her Dad from time to time and she wonders what it would be like and most of all if her Dad would be proud of her. I would give anything for her to have a memory like this little girl will have. Life is really short. Live loud and LOVE hard. My daughter is a wonderful, awesome loving person and her father would be very proud of her, I know I am. (She calls me mod on fathers day *my other Dad) XD
john
9/23/2015 08:03:20 pm
I'm the incredibly proud daddy of a beautiful 8 month old little girl, and this story is something I deeply hope to experience, I spend as much time with her as possible, I changed jobs so I could get weekends off so we didn't have to send her to a sitter while my wife works her weekends
B
9/23/2015 10:12:31 pm
I love witnessing moments of tenderness. They are few and far between. But once you do it makes us believe again. I have a wonderful story of a mother and daughter. I was a witness to a special moment that neither knew I was there. I still think of them, years later when I need to believe that real love is out there. Your story is uplifting
Abby Messner
9/24/2015 07:19:05 am
I'd love to hear your story, B. Email it to me if you'd like...there's contact button on the Share Your Verse page of this site. :)
Lauren E
9/23/2015 11:32:42 pm
the part about not being on his cell phone is so important! I was on vacation last year and the resort put on a little show that was mainly geared towards kids but enjoyable for a whole family. A dad and his maybe 4-5 year old son were in front of me. The dad was glued to his phone the entire duration of the show. It broke my heart to see the boy climbing on his father, talking to him, whispering in his ear, laughing and pointing to the stage only to be ignored the entire time. I tried not to judge and thought maybe he's doing work or answering emails and he's working hard even still just to be able to take his kid on a vacation. Later on I stood up to get a drink and glanced at the dad's phone - he was playing candy crush. It infuriated me and made me so sad. I wasn't at the concert but reading this made me smile and gave me hope for young parents of our generation!
julie
9/24/2015 08:38:13 am
I'm sorry but personally I think this is very creepy. I know it was meant to be sweet but I don't see it that way. It makes you wonder how many people around you are watching you and taking pictures without your knowledge or permission. I would be very upset if something like this happened to me.
Levi
9/24/2015 08:41:08 am
I want to truly thank all of you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. My girls are my world for sure. I'm definitely one of the lucky single dads that gets to have their kids everyday. I'm truly blessed to be the father of my girls.
Jessica
9/24/2015 11:03:58 am
Does this comment mean that you are the mystery dad? Such an intimate moment captured of pure love between a little girl and her daddy. My heart is filled today. Thanks for the share!
Samantha
9/25/2015 01:49:36 pm
You are truly amazing! I am so happy you got to see what a great Dad the world thinks you are!
samantha
9/24/2015 09:17:18 am
This is awesome . Love the story I found myself tearing up ,as I remember times with my dad ( who is still alive but lives so far away ) even reading some of the comments brought tears and a smile to my face so my question is did u ever find the DAD .. who goes to this awesome story ? And I don't think its creepy at all to be honest its hard to capture beautiful moments in life that remind what living is all about and to remind us that not all dads or moms fail at being parents . So other people thinking its creepy just.don't understand the true moment of capturing , a reminder of some great dads out there . U just don't see to many of moments like these .. thanks for the story . I live things that bring back memories that I forgot I even had ....
Abby Messner
9/24/2015 10:55:31 am
Samantha...yes!! His comment is the one right before yours and also on my FB page. He's the real deal. :)
Ta Shaunna
9/24/2015 11:34:35 am
Thank you for sharing this story. It reminds me of my dad. Heck he would take me to baseball games and teach me the meaning...focusef on me...while the other players were cursing, spitting tobacco, and sometimes drinking beer. It's sad for the people who cannot find the good...always searching for something negative...just don't follow them. Some of them will lead right to destruction. To the Daddy...she will never forget the moment! That is what matters.
Anita Strickland
9/24/2015 12:51:01 pm
I had to read each and everyone of the comments made, everyone of them (except for one) made me smiile...Imagine that little girl all grown up finding these post and reading them... WOW !!!! Daddy's girl.(Girls) To anyone that do not know this song. Look it up.... Red Sovine. Very old but I was a daddy's girl and he sang it to me... Thanks for sharing !!!
Melissa
9/24/2015 02:12:42 pm
There is absolutely nothing "creepy" about capturing a moment that screams a message of love and positivity and then making a decision to share it with the world. Kudos to you Abby for taking the time to share such a simple, yet powerful photo with your very moving words. It really touched me.
CJ
9/24/2015 02:57:27 pm
I wasn't at that concert. Almost exactly one year ago a beloved daughter took her Dad to see another concert. Her Dad is a great fan of Beethoven. Last year the Colorado Symphony performed Beethoven's 9th Symphony. It was her Dad's highlight of his 70th B'Day Celebration! So the story of the Dad and Daughter at their time at the concert this month is the reverse of last year's Love Blessings between a Daughter and er Dad!!!
C
9/24/2015 04:37:56 pm
While this story is very cute I would be absolutely horrified to find out a stranger took a picture of my daughter and I to post on the Internet. Remember that everyone deserves privacy, it's hard in this day and age to not share something as wonderful as this but those parents should be able to decide whether they want their daughters picture posted or not.
Abby Messner
9/24/2015 05:28:46 pm
Great point, C! I had those same concerns about posting the photo, but thought I was pretty successful at capturing a picture of the daughter when she was looking away. I have exchanged FB messages with Levi, the young father, and he is nothing but humble and appreciative of the outpouring of support for him. Without question or hesitation I would take the photo down if the family wanted that. No creeper here...just trying to share something touching that moved me in the best way I know how! :)
Brandon
9/24/2015 07:40:14 pm
I am blown away by how many people thought this was me, the messages, the comments, & post. I've had so many people come up to me at Concerts saying they'd rather watch the interaction between My Daughter & I. & as in the article I know the look that Abby describes, it's what I live for. It's like She is so happy, & looks into my soul. There is nothing more magical in this world to me. It's everything to see the smile on her face. No you cant shelter your kids from bad language or any sexual induwendos outh there. But you can hope that they dont reoeat them or act upon them. And then at that moment you know you raised a great kid. Yes what the father did was great. But there are great mothers and fathers out there that do this every day. But at the same time there are DEADBEAT FATHERS AND MOTHERS that dont care. So kudos to this father for showing his daughter he loves her. Great job dad.
Tracy
9/25/2015 03:54:15 am
I lost my Dad 10 years ago. We were close when he died though we hadn't always been. I was his first born, Daddy's little girl and at 36 (the age I was when he passed) I still felt like Daddy's little girl because of the memories he shared with me I have wonderful things to tell my daughters and my sons. My youngest daughter never got to meet him but to hear her talk of him you would know that they never met. It's those small things that you remember that mean so much. My father was well known around here, he died in the line of duty. I have no personal effects and very few photos but no one will ever be able to take my memories.
karie
9/25/2015 09:50:36 am
i think this should be sent to the ellen show to find out who that man was and giv ehim personal recognition so i hope someone can get this accomplished bless you all on so many responses if the man is single and abby is single that woudl make a love story
lina
9/25/2015 06:53:04 pm
I agree - Ellen could do wonders for this family. I was so touched and Im sure the world would share your sentiments
Mandi Marie
9/25/2015 09:50:41 pm
This is absolutely amazing!! I WOULD DIE FOR MY SON TO HAVE A FATHER LIKE THAT!!!! I love the love and POSITIVE responses. If any one ever finds this amazing man, send my love to him and that beautiful little girl!!!
kittiwake
9/28/2015 11:18:52 am
Great to see such a strong father-daughter bond. Leave a Reply. |
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