Dear Father Figure Of My Life,

I have never been eloquent with my words and saying how I feel has never been my strong suit, but here goes something. As products of the current society, we are expected to be strong and independent, fearless of the countless obstacles that we face in life. We are accustomed to the belief that we are to take everything in stride and to put on a mask before we head out to be functioning members of society. Yet life does not conform itself to society… does it? It does not have a set of algorithms that will always guarantee 100% of success. No, it is much more complex than that. That strong and independent facade will only eventually break; that mask we put on will shatter. Each and every one of us needs someone or something to hold on to in our times of weakness; it is only human nature and the very nature of life itself. It can be the dream that has not come into reality yet or the crutch of money. For me, it was you.

Although you were not perfect, you still tried your best. You were my knight in shining armor while I was the damsel in distress. The countless times that I had fallen and I did not know who to turn to, you were there. I can honestly say that if you were not my light, I would have let the darkness enshroud me, extinguishing the flickering candle flame that illuminated the figure of the candle. But what about you, Mom? Who was your savior?

I am ashamed to say that although you have always been there for me, I have almost never been there for you. Do you know what is the worst feeling in the world? To me, it is watching the ones you love and adore suffer while you are helpless to stop it. You worked two jobs to support me, both minimum wage. You gave up your hopes and dreams to make sure that I had an advantage to accomplishing mine. You had the chance to go find another partner to help with the bills and be happier in life... but you didn’t. You simply could not stand the thought/the possibility of this new partner of yours bullying me. So you gave up your happiness for mine and raised me all by yourself as a single mother. I have no idea what else you have given up, Mom, but words cannot express the amount of gratitude I have. Although I do not usually show it, I appreciate everything that you have done for me. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for being both the father figure and mother in my life. I promise I will make the stars shine for you one day, even if none of them could ever outshine you.

Love,

Your Son