A/N: I dedicate not only this story, but my marching season to my dad. I miss you Daddy.
The first time I went to see a marching competition I was only seven years old. My mom had me for the weekend, but my daddy wanted to take my little brother and me to see my cousin Crissy march, since her father and mother couldn't make it. My little brother wasn't feeling well, but I really wanted to see Crissy and she let me go.
When we got there my daddy took me up to the middle section, right on the 50 yard line. When her school came out we clapped and cheered. They got in position and he pointed out where she was. I tried to keep my eyes on her throughout the performance, but right away my eyes were caught by the waving flags and the colors that they were using. The music was awesome, and I was proud of my cousin for doing so well, after all she was the only female saxophone, and I loved that she was part of it. Still, the guard was what I fell in love with.
After they were done my daddy and I walked back to the bus with the other parents to wait for their kids. When my cousin came out she was with two of the guard girls, they were still holding their flags, and I stared with awe at them. When my cousin introduced us to them I hid behind my daddy and I blushed like mad. They just laughed and said how cute I was. When they asked how I liked the show I blushed again and managed to squeak out that I thought they were beautiful during it. One was even nice enough to let me wave her flag around for a minute, before it got too heavy for me to hold.
When my cousin asked if I liked the guard more than the music I just nodded. She laughed and said it was alright, everyone had their preferences. They won first place at their competition that night.
Going back home I told my daddy that I wanted to be just like those girls when I was older. I wanted to create such beauty. He smiled at me, but at the same time had a sad look in his eyes. Under his breath I heard him say something about growing up too fast. I asked him if he would come to my first competition, and he said of course he would.
About a year and a half later he died.
Now, I am getting ready to start my career as a member of the Color Guard. My friends think it's because I miss them during band season, and I hope to see them more often now. No, that's not it. It's because I told my daddy I was going to, and I still plan on doing it.
He's still going to be there watching me toss and catch, smile at the audience, and move as gracefully as a swan during our performance. He'll still be there, because he promised me he would be.
And he never went back on his word.
A/N: I love you my guard family. Still, I am sad that my dad won't be able to watch me from my stands at my first performance. I will do my best, for him. Love and miss you Daddy. Love, your little Snowflake.