Hey. I just wanted to take some time out of my day to truly thank you for all that you have done. I would like you to know that I have acknowledged all the sacrifices you have made for your family, and while I can see them for what they are, I will never be able to fully understand all that you have given up. You left your homeland with little money to your name, just to come to an unfamiliar land that didn’t really welcome you.

You have, routinely, worked late into the night only to wake up early the next day and go back to work. You chose a profession you may have never wanted, only because it was the way out of an unpromising situation that led towards a "better" and more secure future. But, now, you should take pride in how far you have come and what you have achieved.               

It pains me to see that you live with many regrets. You don’t think you have done enough for people, but you have already done more than anyone else would ever ask of you. You have provided for your brothers and sisters. You have taken care of your parents. And, most importantly, you gave your children a childhood that was entirely dissimilar to yours. You have given me the great privilege of being raised without a fear of income, security, or future stability. I don’t say it enough, or ever, for that matter; but I thank you.             

You think that you have not done enough with your life, but that should not be the point. You have become a physician, and a marker of success, and you did it coming from a background that made it highly improbable. But, now, you work more than you do anything else. You are disappointed because you cannot get your work done earlier, so you compensate by working even more. But I think it is time you stop working so hard. We are all financially constrained in one way or another, but that should fall to the wayside when you sacrifice your own welfare and well-being. 

You compare yourself to your friends and think you have not lived up to some bizarre standard that you set for yourself. Who cares about the material goods that others have when you have a family that loves and respects you? There are times where you think you have failed us. But you haven’t. You have succeeded in every way possible. 

I may call you crazy, because you worry about everything, all the time. But that same craziness is greatly appreciated. I hope you know I am proud to call you my father, and that you have succeeded. I would like for you to stop worrying so much and be happy with your situation, because many people would love to be in your shoes. And, finally, I want you to just chill out. Work less, and enjoy life more. Take care of your health and your family, and then everything else will fall into place. Thanks for being my dad. Love you!