Dear Dad,
It seems it was just yesterday we were packing up the car to move to another state, yet again. Everyone referred to me as the “the kid who grew up in a car seat." Moving a total of three times by the age of six, home was a mix of towns and cities. I never understood the reason we had to leave. “It’s all a part of Daddy’s job," mom would explain. But, I never understood what she truly meant.
There would be days when I couldn’t even walk, yet somewhere far away you were sailing through the Atlantic, but you always came home to make the most of the days you could spend with me. From going to Phantoms or Flyers games, or finding the cotton candy on the boardwalk, you were always there to hold me up and make my days special and memorable.
In school, we would go around the classroom and share what our parents did. The list went down the line. Children explained their parent’s jobs. When my turn came, I shyly noted you were in the Coast Guard, but I wasn’t sure how to explain what you did or what each day of your job entailed.
I remember the night where you had to gather your gear to go help in an oil spillage. I didn’t want you to leave. I asked, “Why can’t someone else go and do the job for you?” You replied, “It’s my job to do this." There would be days where you risked your life to save the lives of others. The job wasn’t always easy, but you always got it done.
The life of a military family is not like the life of a typical family. At times it is hard because you weren’t always home. But Dad, I wouldn’t change our family life for any other life in the world. I’ve been able to see so much of the world, more than a typical child would have by the age of six. I’ve learned how to appreciate the little things and the time that I get to spend with you. I’m more mature than most people I know. I can credit that to you. You’ve taught me right versus wrong and how to live my life to the fullest. You have always taught me to take advantage of every opportunity.
When heading off to college, I realized just how proud of me you were. We packed up the car for another move, but this time, you weren’t coming with me. This time, I was on my own. As you finished helping me unpack I realized I’ve trained my whole life for this: to be an independent woman and to make the most of every moment to achieve my academic dreams. Most importantly, you were the most significant influence in making all of this experience happen. It is now that I realize all that you have done for me. Only now do I truly understand what your job entailed and how much you sacrifice to give me the life that you never had. For this, words cannot explain how much I thank you for all that you have done for me.
Semper Paratus,
~Alexandra