My dad has taught me so many valuable lessons that I will forever be grateful for. Here are some of them:
1. To never be a wall flower.
I remember sitting in the car with you and singing along to "I Hope You Dance" and you letting me know that Alopecia was a gift because it meant that where ever I go, I will always stand out. Being bald gives me an advantage and I can either use that opportunity or let it slip by. You told me to never just sit and wait for someone to spark something, instead if I want something I have to go get it.
2. That music can be more powerful than words.
You and I bond the most through lyrics and car rides where nothing is said, yet so much is spoken. Music has always been a key part of our relationship and I don't think that I can ever thank you enough for the amazing taste in music (except Susan Boyle's album). You've blessed me with a sensitive ear to good music and dissatisfaction for bad music.
3. Character. Compromise. Charity. Ingenuity.
All my life, you've never failed to remind me of these four words. Character, is doing the right thing all the time, even when no one is looking. Compromise, is when you need to find a balance in order to make things work for the benefit of the whole. Charity, is when you're able to give of yourself even when you have very little. Ingenuity, is when you can take something minor and underappreciated and make it something incredible. Without you and these four words, I definitely wouldn't be who I am today. You talk a lot and sometimes think that I don't listen, but I hope this proves you otherwise.
4. "I'm always right."
That's your favorite saying, but I think that the important thing about it is that there can be times where you think you're right, but you apologize when you're wrong. When you're wrong it's a very rare occasion, but it happens nonetheless. You've taught me to believe in myself, and never doubt who I am or what I think is right, until someone is able to prove me wrong.
5. The importance of crying.
Everyone knows that at big events, like graduation or holy communion, or my wedding someday, you will be the one to cry the most. Most of the family makes fun of you and always jokes about your willingness to cry at big events, but you have shown me that it is perfectly human to be vulnerable and show your vulnerability with the people that you trust and who know you the best.
6. To always wear sunscreen.
That poem/song that you showed me so long ago resonates with me every day because I try to look at life through a lens much like this. With the world laying ahead of me, and big opportunities to take advantage of, I just have to remember to put on sunscreen and to enjoy the little moments in life. Everything will fall into place how I allow them to. Mistakes will be made and greatness will be obtained if I strive for my best and never settle for something I do not deserve. Even when times get tough and I start to second guess myself, or my goals for the future, I take a step back and stretch because sometimes the little things in life help balance the more challenging things. Thank you for always being a rock for me to find support on when my legs feel weak from climbing this never-ending hill, called life.
7. To love and be loved.
You love harder than anyone ever could. You love mom to the ends of this world and even when you guys get on each other's nerves and you tell her to take a pill or raise your hands to the sky and silently say "Man, I'm going to heaven" the love you two share is immense. One day I can only hope and pray that a love like that will come my way and stay. You've shown me what it's like to be around love, to be loved and to allow myself to love.
8. Money.
Ever since I spoke my first words, it seems like you've been teaching me about saving, investing, growing money and so on. When I was 16 and got my first pay check and you and mom took 1/3 and put it in the bank, 1/3 and put it towards the house "rent/board" and then 1/3 I was able to keep, it was torturous. But I have to thank you for doing that to me and making me disciplined enough to know how to save money and when to treat myself. Now, I am in college, working, playing sports, and have my own money and don't stress out when bills arise. I am set and you've equipped me with the tools and knowledge that I need to have in order to be successful and not bring myself down. Thank you for that.
9. School.
You always said school is our job as kids. We wake up 7 AM and go to school from 8-4 PM until college. You forced me to take education seriously and strive to be the best that I can be. Even though you'd be disappointed in a B+ in high school/grade school it prepared me for the standards I would have to meet in undergrad and in the future for graduate school. When you made me do "corrections" for exams that I got < 90% on. That's the reason my hands hurt, not from texting, for the record. But it made me push myself that much harder to get A's so that way I wasn't sitting in my room rewriting entire exams it felt like. Because of you, and mom's, forcefulness on my education I would not have graduated from one of the top high schools in all of Philadelphia with a 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude and I certainly wouldn't have a 3.5 GPA now as an undergrad majoring in chemistry and minoring in mathematics. You've instilled hard work into me and I hope I can continue to make you and the rest of the family proud.
10. The world.
You've taught me the importance of traveling and gaining world knowledge. The world is a big place and you've shown me that anywhere I go, can be a home if I need to move or get a change of scenery. I have gone to many different countries and many different continents around the globe and I am so thankful for all that you've been able to show me through experiences and love. Thank you for broadening my horizons from such a young age. I owe you the world in return.
Happy Father's Day Daddy. I hope I make you proud, as proud as I am to be your kid. 143.
P.S. I'm sorry for posting such a throwback photo of us, but it warms my heart when I see that one. I love you.
