Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

You are the first man I have ever loved. You have a place in my heart no one can ever have. You’ve been there for me when I didn’t have the words to ask for your help. You believed in me no matter the day, time, or circumstance. You’ve given up a lot for me to have the life I do. Without you… I truly don’t know where I would be. Your guidance, wisdom, and humor have made me into the person I am today. I envy how you simply don’t care. You have such an easy going, kind hearted demeanor, a trait sometimes I wish I acquired. The way you handle situations with such ease, maturity, and honesty is something I aspire to be able to do without second thought. You always stay the bigger person no matter the circumstances, no matter what your actual opinion is, and that is inspiring. Your generosity and compassion is infectious. Your dad jokes never fail to put a smile on my face, no matter how terrible they are. No words I’ve ever written could ever say how much gratitude, respect, and love I have for you.

You are more than my dad. You are my role model, coach, fan, and best friend. You’ve taught me more life skills lessons than my education ever did. Some of my favorite memories are the ones I shared with you playing softball. I loved the sport, but I also loved having you as one of my coaches. I knew after a game, on the way home, you and I would talk about the game. Some kids might’ve hated that, but it was something I looked forward to. I always played 110% not only to help the team, but in hopes to make you proud. Being your daughter, all I ever want is to make you proud. I know it wasn’t easy raising me, I definitely gave you a run for your money, but I believe given the circumstances you and mom did an excellent job raising me. I had a lot of growing up to do and you stuck by my side through it all.

Thank you for supporting me no matter how many times I changed my mind. It couldn’t have been easy supporting me when you had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated high school. I’m sorry for leaving you in the dark when I actually did know what I wanted to do, but at the time I just didn’t have the words. I knew you would support me and give me any advice anytime, but the timing never seemed exactly right and those words never were spoken. I learned that there is no better time than the present and I had no reason not to include you in the discussion.

Thank you for pushing me to go to the gym after I was done playing sports. The gym was what I needed and I had no idea. If it wasn’t for you I probably wouldn’t have the gym as a form of therapy and I would probably be super crazy—well, crazier than I already am. Thank you for protecting me whether my guard was all the way up or I was in one of my most vulnerable states. Thank you keeping calm during most of our arguments. It showed me not every disagreement needs a reaction. Thank you for continuously teaching me how to navigate life without too much trouble. Without your advice who knows where I’d be, probably not somewhere good. Thank you for being my own personal atm sometimes, I will be in debt to you in more ways than one. Thank you for being you. I couldn’t have asked for a better dad. For all the times words have gone unspoken, thank you. I love you, dad.