Well, the day is nearly here. Since June 1, 1995, I’ve known this day would come and I’m still not prepared for it — the day my baby will marry the man of her dreams.

Since October when I found out my daughter and the man she has been engaged to for nearly two years had a set a date for their marriage, I have been in a continuous state of reflection while also trying to plan for their big day.

That day is on Sunday.

Being a father is the most rewarding part of my life. I was told my life would change and never be the same when I first learned I would be a Dad and there is no doubt that is true. It’s a special bond between a Dad and daughter and it’s immediate and strong and it makes it so much more difficult to let go.

But I also know that she will be in good hands with a young man who thinks the world of her and will always do his best to provide for and protect her. And for that I am truly thankful.

So many memories flood my mind.

I’ll never forget the day she was born and that special feeling that has lasted for the last 20 years. It literally seems like it was just yesterday when I held her in my arms for the first time and brought her home. The image is so vivid in my mind and I don’t believe it will ever fade.

That was the first of many milestones.

From crawling, talking and walking to the first day of school to graduating high school and everything in between. From those baton classes and indoor color guard competitions to learning to ride a bike to learning to drive a car, I’ve tried to be by her side. And now she is taking the biggest walk of her life and l am so proud to once again be by her side as she walks down the aisle.

Rob Sigler is the managing editor of the Oxford EAGLE. Contact him at rob.sigler@oxfordeagle.com.