An Open Letter to My Apple Blossom

With the news of Sarah’s engagement to Duane Anoai, the whole world has been talking. It’s no secret that the bride-to-be is very excited, but so is the father of the bride.

In today’s blog, lovable cornball Bret Douglas writes an open letter to his precious little Apple Blossom.

Dear Sarah Elizabeth:

I was just sitting here thinking about the day that God blessed me to be your dad. It was on that fateful afternoon of August 9, 1984. I was just about to clock out for work when my boss asked if I wanted to work overtime. As soon as I said yes, I got a call from Ms. Viv saying that you were about to make your debut. I was disappointed that I couldn’t be there like I wanted to, but Ms. Viv assured me that everything was well taken care of. Fortunately for me, I was able to put in only a half hour of overtime and I just rushed right over to the hospital with your Uncle Clark. It was exactly 5:18pm when I walked in, and at the same time, you had made your debut in the world. Talk about being an overjoyed dad—words could not describe the feeling I had when I held you for the first time. I remembered how you cooed like a dove and wriggled about in my arms, the way you rested comfortably when your mom asked me to watch you while she went to work. Heck, I remembered when you asked me to play house with you. And you know something, I still remember when you asked me to take a picture with just you and I, right before you went off to your high school prom. I still have that picture in my wallet, even as we speak.

If I may be so bold as to quote Amy Grant and Vanessa Williams, respectively: “Oh, how the years go by. Oh, how the love brings tears to my eyes. All through the changes, the soul never dies—we laugh, we fight, we cry.” Those words are so apropos for me right now. In just about three months, you’ll be getting married. You know, I’m so happy for you… but I can’t lie to myself—I really wish I could turn the clock back to 1989, when you sat on my lap and watched WWF Superstars with me every Saturday afternoon. I’m really gonna miss that little girl who dressed up like a pumpkin and still looked like a princess. However, at the same time, I am looking forward to walking you down that aisle on September 17 and giving you away. I’m also anticipating the Daddy & Daughter Dance—I’ve already picked out the perfect song for us.

I love you, Apple Blossom… and take real good care of my future son-in-law.