I miss you.

You know I’m away at college, and that this was my choice. But there are times when I’m tired, or very happy where I wish I could be closer to you and home.

You have supported my dreams since day one. Whenever I would come up with something that sounded far-fetched, you were never one to tell me to aim lower. On the contrary, you encouraged me. You fostered in me the desire to fly free and explore the world. You told me nothing is impossible. That has been my motto ever since. I am so, so thankful for having a dad like you.

You have always been my super hero. You were the one who taught me how to read, and you were also the one who told me to read for fun until I finally did. Now your pocket is in tears, because I read like there’s no tomorrow. You were the one who helped me discover most of my passions, continuously pushing me to try things. When I fell, you picked me up. When I cried, you wiped my tears and calmed me. You have always been my protector of scary things. Even though now I am braving the outside world without you by my side, I carry a piece of you with me at all times.

I carry your words of advice, and a lot of your character. I learned to imitate you since I was very small. And now that I am more grown-up, I think you are one of the best role models I have in my life. You have carried a lot of responsibilities, but you have never given up to the pressure. You have been steady; a rock with solid foundation.

You try hard to be a good person all around. You are good to mom, to your children, to our extended family, but what most impresses me is your kindness to strangers; your willingness to help out whoever is in need. You do that without even giving it a second thought. I see it all, daddy. I notice these things.

I am always looking up to you.

No matter how far away I am from you, I will always need you. Especially when I am drained and exhausted, your daddy-hugs are like a charger I can plug into. Nothing can compare to that. Dad-style hugs are like wide shoulders and a familiar chest, where I lay down my head and feel safe. Imitations can’t evoke that feeling. Is one of a kind.

The warmth that your daddy-hugs give me are my favorite. I can stay clinging to you for a good while, like hanging for dear life. Sometimes, your hugs are what make everything better. They give me strength to be able to face the day.

For now, I will settle with our Skype calls, and your text messages. Your words are always comforting, but nothing can ever compare to being with you, and being able to hug you.

I love you Daddy.