My father/daughter dance.
it's about learning to dance in the rain."
~From a plaque my parents were given by our friend Connie
Last night, I went on a special date. With my dad.
As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite moments at each wedding is the father/daughter dance. When first hearing the news this summer that my dad had cancer and the short time he was given, what broke my heart the most was the thought that he might not be here to walk me down the aisle one day, or dance with at my wedding. I tear up everytime at the thought of it, and have to fight back the tears now at each wedding I continue to shoot.
With the recent news that my dad's tumor is continuing to increase, they have put him on a new chemo treatment to try to battle it differently. While I am continuing to hope for the best, I still wanted us to celebrate a special night of dressing up in our best, and dancing together for a father/daughter date night. My mom played photographer with the point and shoot camera, but I also filmed the dance to preserve the moment to play one day at my wedding should I not get the chance to dance with him in person. I tried to hold back the tears as we danced to Tim McGraw's "My Little Girl," but it meant so much to hold my daddy in my arms and dance together... simply because.
Here's the photos from our date night and the video below of us dancing in my parents' living room. I hope it encourages you to stop and show love to those most important to you, simply because too.
And my mom wrote a blog entry about last night too! Go check it out at johnnysjourneytovictory.blogspot.com!
Labels: Personal
posted by Scarlett Lillian // Jacksonville Senior Photographer at 9:48 AM
73 Comments:
That was such a beautiful and special moment! Your dad is very lucky to have a daughter that loves him and cares about him so much. Continue to cherish these moments and I wish your family all the best.
Maria
This is so incredibly sweet and you've got me in tears this morning. I pray that your father is there for your wedding, his future grandchildren, and for many, many more years after that!
The tears are rolling down my cheeks right now. I'm so glad that you had this special father-daughter dance. I've never commented before but read your blog from time to time . . . but still I usually remember to pray for your dad each night. You just pop into my head as someone that deserves prayer. Also, I'm very close to my own father so I realize this special relationship.
Take care Scarlett, and give you Papa a big hug for me.
:)
What a special moment for you and your dad! Made me cry this morning! I will continue to keep your family in my prayers!!
Kristian
Scarlett,
I wish the words I have to say were as eloquent as yours, but i'll try. :) I welled up with tears at this post because even though I have kept up with your father's journey, this was particularly meaningful. I can't imagine my father not being part of my life or not being able to dance with him once more. Although that day will come, you have reminded me about the things that DO matter- not all the silly little things we get caught up in in the day to day. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God is good all the time. ALL the time He is good.
-Lauren
Oh I had to put that video on pause and stop bawling my eyes out before I could continue on! You're such an inspiration and I am praying for you & your family! God Bless and Thank you for sharing these moments with us!
I just have tears in my eyes. What a beautiful idea and a special way to show your Dad how much you love him! This is a very inspiring message to live life to the fullest and to realize God's blessing even in life's trials.
P.S. Love your song choice! That was my father/daughter song, too. : )
I'm not going to go into detail, but -- this entry made me cry so hard.
I'm so happy you were able to have those precious moments with your father.
I repeat this verse to myself all the time: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
Oh my gosh Scarlett....This was such a beautiful moment.
Wow, what do you say to a moment that make time stand still, that changes your way of thinking forever...
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
omg Scarlett, thanks for making me cry! :) I never thought about doing that - and now that my dad is gone and did not get to walk me down the aisle, it makes me wish I had done something like this. i love it.
you and your family are continually in my prayers.
Scarlett, this is so incredibly special. I know your dad appreciated this opportunity as much as you did. I have been quietly reading your blog for months, and I can tell that the relationship you have with your dad is a beautiful one. You are such an inspiration, from your faith, to your relationship with your family to your successful career! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us!
Wow! What a special moment! I'm sitting here at work with the tears flowing down my cheeks. I'm so glad you got to have THIS moment with your Father, but I'm still praying that one day, when you have your special day, He will be there to walk you down the aisle and dance with you.
Many blessings to you all
Annie
Wow...I couldn't even watch the whole thing and I am not a cryer!! You are such a special person with a beautiful heart. I pray for the best for you and your family.
oh goodness, scarlett...that really had me in tears. how special to record a moment like that.
let's just keep praying that he gets well soon. :) there's nothing too big for God.
*cries* That was so sweet!!!
Me = totally crying right now. Such a special moment. Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I have a serious soft spot for Father/Daughter dances and this one was one of the best!
I don't really know what to say other than I love you and I think this in amazingly special. Thank you for sharing it with us :)
oh wow scarlett, I could not control the tears while watching this video. When I first read the post, I started to tear up, but then watching the video...oh wow. I'm so glad that God has given you the wisdom to take advantage of this time with your dad. You and your family are in our prayers. Kenzie
Scarlett!!! What a great idea. I'm so glad you had this on your blog.
Scarlett!!! I am bawling just watching you and your daddy dance. Just wanted you to know that. Nothing but the best for you and your family!!!
Wow, an overwhelming response. Thank you so much for all the love and sorry to make you all cry. I hope it was good tears though. :-) I appreciate you sharing the moment with me that meant so much.
Scarlett you need to have a warning on this blog... This blog will cause a serious rush of emotions and love, please have tissues on hand! I'm all teary and snotty right now! Sniff sniff. This is such a beautiful post, you are so thoughtful. I just don't even know what to say... I'm still crying. Your Dad is very handsome in his suit and you are gorgeous as always!
Hi Scarlett,
That was just so beautiful, I am sitting here bawling my eyes out! Hopefully you will have him for the real wedding day dance when that day comes but that was such a special dance you shared with your dad!
You and your family are in my prayers:)
Le
Scarlett, you and your Mom and your Dad are amazing. You continue to shine through this trying time. I'm so greatful and so happy for you that you captured this moment! Your Dad is a pretty funny guy! My prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to carry you and give you peace when it is needed most. God has an amazing way of wrapping His arms around you and giving you a smile.
I hope that you are enjoying your day. May God bless both you and your family.
Susan J.
Scarlett, what a wonderful memory you just created. That dance means so much more than a normal father and daughter dance done at a wedding out of tradition. That dance was done out of love. My prayers are always with you & your family.
O scar...I pray for your dad. My heart is with you all.
xoxo
~christina
I'm bawling.
I pray for you and your family often. Thank you for showing us this private moment of your life. We all need to be reminded sometimes to just savor the moment, like you do.
Thank you Scarlett. I just love everything about your date with your dad. I cried tears of joy for you and your family because this was a celebration. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers too.
Scarlett,
I am an avid blog stalker, I usually just sit back quietly learning and enjoying your site. I have no words to write the emotion I felt watching such a wonderful memory you just created. You and your family are the definition of grace. I prayed so hard for you while watching that video, God bless you,comfort you and give you peace. Shelle
Wow, what a special moment between you and your dad. Such a touching post, and what a wonderful memory you guys created. I was tearing up just reading--before I even got to the photos or the video. Your family has such love and such a sweet spirit. God has richly blessed you all, and He will continue to. Thanks for sharing such a personal experience.
What wonderful photos of you and your father... And what an incredibly sweet video... I only got about 2 seconds in before I started crying. But it really is sweet and I pray that when it does come time to do the father daughter dance at you wedding this video can just be playing in the bkgd as you dance with him again on that special day... Stay blessed.
Scarlett... I feel like I know you and your family, through your blog and your mom's blog. This video and the pictures made me cry. I am very much a Daddy's Girl and the thought of him not being there for me scares me more than anything. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through, but please know that you have so many people in your court praying for all of you.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, Scar.
Aww..Scarlett,
What an awesome memory to always have...I cried b/c I understand all those feelings you have about your dad..I went though that as well, w/my dad having cancer.
May the Lord bless you and your family and give your dad healing!
This is your best blog to date. How special. You and you're family are in my prayers.
Bless you, friend.
Geez, Scarlett, you are really something special. And your father is so lucky to have you in his life. And of course, I cried...Raw bawling out loud crying because this could very well be the most special moment you will share with him, or God-willing you will be able to share in the father-daughter dance at your wedding. All we need now is a groom. ; ) God bless you so much! I pray so much at this moment that your father will be given a clean bill of health. With the Lord, ANYTHING is possible.
incredible... inspiring... thanks for sharing - I'll be praying for both your dad and your family as well.
Thanks for the visual reminder of what is really precious. All of the other stuff is really just stuff. When the sun comes up again tomorrow, I will once again make sure that my Mom and Dad know how much they are loved.
Scarlett, thank you for sharing this incredibly touching dance. I have both goosebumps and tears streaming down my cheeks. What a beautiful memory you have created & preserved with your dad. Thank you so much for opening up and sharing this with you. You and your family are in my thoughts!
Wow girl!! What can I say? I am sitting here crying like a baby. I'm soooooo happy for you to have had this night with your daddy.
So beautiful! So perfect! Such a special, precious life moment reminding us of what it's all about! Keep dancing....Jaren
A moment & memory that you will always have. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. :)
Ohh See now you brought tears to my eyes.. what a great idea.. I love these..I will continue to keep your father in my thoughts and prayers.
e
Yep, tears in my coffee this morning. This is the song I danced with my dad to at my wedding in Feb, so it has an extra special meaning to me. I haven't been on good terms with him over the last few months...I think I'll go call him right now. :)
What a precious memory you created with your Dad! It made me wish I had known to create my own with my Dad. Keep hanging on! My prayers are with you and your family, as always.
This was the most special moment that you shared with your fans and friends. I say Fan's, because I am one. It was inspirational and heartwarming!
Thank you
OH Scarlett,
What a beautiful moment between you and your dad! You make me feel your emotion in your writing.
I could see the tears in your eyes in one of the pictures of you and him dancing. I am so glad you were able to share that moment with your dad and with us.
continue to dance in the rain girl!
Scarlett,
I know how you feel as my wedding was difficult with out my Dad a few weeks ago. I wish I had thought of this as not having the dance was one of the hardest parts... also for my sisters imagining the speach he would have made.. maybe your mom can record his speech to surprise you on your wedding night... Actually, no he will be there for your wedding.. I will keep praying for this. How devistatingly handsome he is! And your beauty shows from the inside out as always. Thanks for sharing such an amazing moment.
caryn
Thank you for sharing these touchable moments in your life....
scarlett, i just sat here and cried!
i hope you are having a good day!!!
OMGOODNESS that was sooo precious and sad! I could feel your pain when you were crying. :-( It was a beautiful dance, though! :-)
I shouldn't have read this at work :(. My dad died when I was 12, and I just got married, so I never had that moment. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that you did this. Carpe Diem. xoxo Kristin (Laneri) Olson
This is so sweet and beautiful. I cry at my weddings but for a different reason, not having a dad that I'm close to but you are so lucky to have such a bond with your dad. Thank you so much for sharing and being so open and real. Your dad is so cute:)
p.s. My good friend Michelle meet you in LA and had nothing but wonderful things to say.
God bless you Scarlett. It's no wonder you've gone so far. You're a person that is most def. sent here to be an inspiration. May peace be with you today and always.
Dang you Scarlett!!! You made me cry on my birthday!!! :) Seriously, that was very sweet! What a moment to cherish forever!
I pray that your Dad will be here for your special day!
Smooch!
That was so sweet and touching! Reading your words completely moved me. As I read I just felt the tears roll down my cheeks. Once I got to the images and video it was over, I was shedding more tears than I could control.
The father-daughter dance has always been my favorite at weddings and somehow I always get teary eyed - I am a big crier. I know how special a father-daughter dance is and I am so glad you had one with your dad. I pray that when your wedding day is here your dad will be there to dance with you.
I am a Daddy's girl all the way, so I know how special this is for both of you. What a beautiful dance you two had, the best I've seen by far. You can see that your dad was very happy to share that dance with you and VERY proud. Like another poster said, this dance was extra special and way better than a dance done at a wedding out of tradition because this dance was purely for the pleasure, honor and love of dancing with your daddy and your dad dancing with his little girl.
You are very lucky to have such a wonderful dad and he is very lucky to have such an amazing daughter.
Keep on dancing and bringing that big smile to your dad's handsome face :)
God Bless!
Thank you for sharing that with us. I was like all your other readers and was bawling as I watched your video. It really hit home for me today. We just found out that my little 16 year old cousin is in the advanced stages of cancer. The news has just broad-sided our whole family. To be honest, I have felt a little numb. It's just all too unbelieveable. But as I watched your video, I was flooded with emotion. Life is so precious. It's awesome that you didn't just sit back and mourn what you may not have, but instead, you made it happen (for you and for him).
I'm continuing to pray for you and your family. Keep living life on purpose.
So special...God bless you! You are an angel for creating these memories for you and your dad!
What a bittersweet entry. Scarlett, this means so much to see a daughter and her father dance in just a moment in time, not noticing the world around you or thinking about what tomorrow holds...just cherishing the moment in time as a father and his amazing daughter. Tears in my eyes...
This is one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. I lost my dad to cancer 3 years ago and never had the chance to have a dance with him at my wedding. I wish I had the chance to share that special moment, but I know he was watching down on my husband and I as we shared our very special day. I feel honored that you shared this with us. Thank you very much for bringing back memories and thoughts. It was exactly three years on October 3rd that he lost his battle and even though his memory stays with me, it is nice to see and hear stories like this. I feel like they bring me just a little bit closer to him. Thank you and my prayers are with you, your family and mostly, your father.
I've got goosebumps after watching that! What a very special memory for you to carry with you for the rest of your life :) I hope your Dad makes a fully recovery xx
I don't even know where to begin with my thanks for all your sweet words about this post. I'm sorry to make so many of you cry, LOL, but I hope it was good tears. Thanks for all your blog love and support and prayers and for sharing in my special moment with my father.
:-)
Thank you for sharing your life and journey with us. And bravo on you for taking the initiative to date/dance with your first love. How beautiful is that. I won't forget this and will remember your family in prayer.
Hi Scarlett,
Thank you so much. This was very special. My father is also battling cancer so this means a lot.
My father serenaded me and my wife on our wedding day 10 years ago. I was a little embarrassed at that time but your post today has made that video of my dad singing priceless. Thank you for the change in perspective.
God bless!
Miranda and I watched this video together and my daughter wanted to comment too.
"I feel really bad for you, we prayed that he would stay alive. I loved the video and it was a great idea even though it made me sad."
Scarlett, this video is just too meaningful and special to put to words. It makes me want to create videos of my own father and I too.
Thank you for sharing.
Darice
that video was very beautiful scarlett. i'm sure you've made your father very happy!.
Thanks for the new sweet words!
Scarlett,
You must have a lot of fans out there to have 68 comments about your video.
My mom (Michelle McKibben) told me about this video and I just now got around to look at it. Oh my goodness....how moving! We just found out that our 16 year old cousin has cancer and we just went up and did a photoshoot with her. I'll be praying for your father...and that he can dance with you at your wedding one day.
wow. this is so awesome miss scarlett. you really are one in a million. love to you friend. :)
WOW. Tears... I'm just now seeing this and I know now that it was just played at your wedding yesterday. What a touching video. So glad you have these moments to treasure forever and ever.
I stumbled upon your blog today...after you posted your wedding images which were beautiful btw. Tears are rolling down my cheeks. What a strong and beautiful family you have. I'm sure you father would be proud:)
Thanks Jess! It's great to hear all this time later that my dad is still touching people's lives! :-)
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