Dear Dad,
This letter may be way overdue, but they always say, "It's better late than never." I remember the day I told you that I would be moving halfway across the world. I remember the look in your eyes, and how optimistic you were trying to be. You thought of different ways to keep me around for a few more years. You couldn't take the thought of letting your daughter take this scary world on by herself. I remember the deep talks we had on every car ride we took. You would talk about the good schools where we live, and why I should get a degree at home; however, I was persistent on taking on the world alone. I needed to make my own mistakes. I needed to learn the hard way.
It's every parent's instinct to protect their children. I was your little girl, and you saw Mom in me. I saw the world in you. I see the world in you. I am forever grateful for the horrors you protected me from growing up; however, I am most grateful for your strength. I am in complete awe when I think about how you gave me your blessing the day you dropped me off at Dubai International Airport. You believed in me. You trusted me enough to send me oceans away. And you supported that decision.
Not only am I grateful for your unconditional support, but I am the happiest when you're available to Skype the moment I need you. You have always been a friend of mine. Thank you for staying up until 3 a.m. with me while we watched "Golden Girls." Thank you for getting me food when I was whiny at midnight. Thank you for taking care of me—always.
There is strength and support in you. But overall, you never fail to crack everyone up. I have learned the most about happiness from you. You taught me that no matter what the situation may be, there is a silver lining. Sometimes, it's deeply hidden by the darkest of clouds. But it's there. No matter where I am in the world, no matter where we are—you are with me. You're in the jokes that I make, the advice that I give and the love that I reciprocate. You taught me that there's a lot more to life than what people see.
Thank you continuously reiterating that "as long as we have our health and each other, we're perfectly fine." Because we are. No matter what we go through, we'll go through it together. Every mile of the 7,255 represents every ounce of love that you are ready to give. I can't wait to see the moon tonight. I'll never forget that night in the airport parking lot. You told me to look up, and that no matter where we are in the world, we'll both be looking at the same moon.
Thank you for being my best friend, Dad, from 7,255 miles away. I love you.
Your biggest fan,
Sally
