One of the hardest and best things that could have happened to me growing up was having one parent in my life. I thought I was weird and different for not having two people at my school plays, soccer games and dance recitals, but now as a freshman in college, I realize how lucky I actually was and still am. Having my dad as both parents taught me how to look at the world differently, and I’m stronger because of it. I never officially thanked you for all you’ve done for me, so here’s to you for proving that super heroes really do exist.
1. Thank for doing double. Even when you hated it.
Thank you for sitting with me through my Girl Scout meetings; I know you would have rather been watching a football game instead of cutting out paper hearts with my troop and all the other local moms. And for attempting to recreate a perfect ballerina bun for my dance recitals, even though most times the end result made me look like I had a traffic cone on top of my head. You never cared that you spent most of your weekends and free time doing things dads typically don’t do, you just cared that I felt like I had nothing missing.
2. For making sports my unofficial area of expertise.
For all the times you took me to hockey games and shared my level of obnoxiousness and hostility against anyone who didn’t like the Rangers, thank you for being the only other person to yell for three periods straight.
3. For always putting me first.
No matter what happened in both of your lives, you’ve always been there for me. You always made sure I was okay before even remotely thinking about yourself. I would never be where I am today without your willingness to support me through every situation I get myself into.
4. For showing me that nothing is impossible.
No matter how crazy your job was or the long hours you had to put in, you always had time for me. You were able to work for 14 hours a day and still manage to proofread my essays and help me build any school project. You made it seem like time was only a word and you’d always have room to achieve more.
5. For exhibiting selflessness.
You never ignored a phone call from someone if they needed advice, or if a friend needed help with a new job or home; you were always the first person to step up and help take on any task they were struggling with. Because of you, I see what it means to be a good friend and person.
6. For teaching me how to be independent.
You taught me how to work hard, and that if I did work hard, things would always work out no matter how long it takes. You showed me that you don’t need anyone else to make a difference in someone’s life, or your own.
7. For making me the person I am today.
When you raised me you taught me lessons just by being who you are. You probably don’t even recognize all the ways you’ve helped me become the determined and resilient person I am today. You showed me that no matter how many times relationships, jobs, or life in general goes wrong, you’ll always be able to come back from it. Not having a “normal” family never stopped you from giving me the greatest lessons parents can give their kids.
