First, I want to say that I love you more than I can possibly say. You’ve been such a wonderful pillar of strength in my life from the very first day. I can still remember hanging on your legs at night trying to get you to stay home from work. I remember waking up early when you got home from work to watch Rocky movies and learn how to ride a bike. I have an oddly specific memory of you teaching me how to spell “please”. You’ve been working nights since I came around so you’d always be there to take care of me. You’ve worked so hard to give all of us such a great life and I couldn’t be any more grateful. You’ve always been selflessly there for me and you’ve always wanted what is best for me. I think that’s why I always have such a hard time trying to choose gifts for you. You never want or ask for anything for yourself, even though you deserve the world. Everything I ever attempt to pick out for you is either stupid and trivial or way over my price range.
That’s why I decided to tell you everything I’ve tried to give to you. The past year has been probably the most stressful and overwhelming year of my life. Getting back in school full time and dedicating myself to the finish line has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made. I know it seems like it should be a straightforward decision, but we both know it wasn’t. Keeping up full time with classes, work, bills, volunteering, and keeping my sanity through it all has been overwhelming but I’ve decided to stick with it, and I owe that to you. I know how much it broke you and mom’s heart when I decided to stop going to school. I was continuously told that I was working too hard and not going anywhere. I have been stubborn every step of the way, but I can now sheepishly admit that you were right all along. I’m proud of what I have done and I hope you are too.
It’s now a month until my graduation date. I’ve fixed up my resume, got my referrals in order, and have begun applying for “big girl jobs”. All the boxes have been checked, and at this point it’s just a matter of crossing T’s, dotting I’s, and waiting for the time to pass. I want you and mom both to know that while I am working hard for myself, so much of it is also for you. I want you to be proud of what I am doing and proud to have me as your daughter.
For your birthday, I spent hours browsing the internet and trying to brainstorm ideas and came up with nothing. I’m hoping this, along with some trinkets, will do. Thank you for everything you’ve given me. I hope that watching me walk across the stage to receive my diploma and knowing that you played such a large role in making that happen can bring you as much joy as anything money could buy.
Again, I just want to say I love you, and thank you so so much. Happy birthday Dad.
