It is said by some that the older we get, the more we appreciate what our parents did for us. When I was younger, I believed I appreciated my parents enough--that I recognized everything they did. Now, as I do get older, I am starting to see things in a different light, and so I decided to write this article.
As a kudos for my dad.
We don’t get along sometimes. Heck, we disagree on mostly everything. A lot of times our opinions clash, because we possess such different views. We were raised in two totally different times, one before and one during the internet era. My dad never had a cell phone, not until he was at least thirty, while I struggle to go one single day without one. In his generation, there were no such things as Facebook or Twitter, or, funnily enough, “The Odyssey.” There was less pressure to go to college; there seemed to be less pressure on students in general.
Although we are quite different, Dad, you have always been my best friend. From the time I was in pre-school, to my awkward middle-school phase, to the awkward stage I am still going through--you never left my side. No matter how many sticky situations I got myself in, when you wanted to ask me, “What the hell is wrong with you?” And you still often do. I make mistakes all the time because I don’t use my head. I allow my emotions to take over, clouding my judgement, and that’s when you come into play.
What would I do without you, Dad?
The thought scares me. I often imagine myself moving far away, embarking on my career and living far from home. Even though we may be hundreds of miles apart, I know you would be there in a heartbeat if I needed you. I know this because you are always here for me now, even when I act like a big baby. You’ve killed many spiders for me and cooked many meals for me; you’ve yelled at me (through guidance) when I was acting foolish.
You came to every single one of my softball games, even though I wasn’t any good and everyone knew it. Even when I struggled, you spent Saturday afternoons playing catch with me. You drove me to dance and my friends’ houses and the skating rink (even though I couldn’t do that, either). You took me to Sunday school every week and let me meet some of my best friends for life. Without your involvement in my life, I would not be the same person.
I thank you for punishing me when I believed you and Mom--and life--were so unfair because it helped me grow. You taught me responsibility. You taught me how to treat another person, even when they aren’t treating me fairly. When I wanted to call it quits, be it school or extracurricular activities, you reminded why I started in the first place, and you wouldn’t let me stop. Leading by example, you showed me that hard work does really pay off, and only the hardest workers achieve what they want. You taught me to help someone in need; you taught me to be a good friend.
After all, I had you to look up to.
Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do.
-Liz
