Dear Dad,
Losing you to the battle of esophageal cancer has been one of the biggest challenges for me, as well as my family. And, if you ever lost a parent or someone close to you, I'm sure you can agree with what I'm about to say...
You're simply my hero. I did not thank you enough for all that you've done for me when you were still here. Every little thing I do in life is for you. I will never forget the day I lost you. It was so hard to face the fact that you would miss out on my high school graduation, my senior night for soccer, my 21st birthday, my college graduation, and most importantly my wedding day. I want to thank you for making me into the women I am today. You were the epitome of strong, you were and will always be the world's best father and for that, I want to thank you for some of things I never got the chance to tell you:
1. Thank you for teaching me how to be positive and never give up.
I will never forget your constant screaming, "get back up" when I would fall or get hurt during a soccer game. I remember not being so happy to hear those words during a game, but I would do anything to get that back. You are the reason I push through those long hours of studying each night or long days of work even when I do not feel like showing up.
2. Thank you for loving mom the way you did and showing me what true love is.
To be honest, all the of tough love that you gave me built be into the strong women I am now. You loved mom, every time you sang silly songs for her or kissed her I would instantly smile. Because of you, mom has the strength that she does. Because of you, mom has the best heart in the world. Because of you, mom loves each one of her children and works so hard for us each day. Because of you, mom knows to never give up in life. So thank you, for passing your love and strength on to mom.
3. Thank you for the constant support.
I will forever be inspired by the hard work and dedication you put in for each and every single one of your 14 children.You worked every day until it was physically impossible, and without your income our family would be broken. You truly showed me what it is like to be a hardworking man, and I hope to be half of who you were when I grow up.
4. Thank you for always being silly and putting a smile on my face.
You showed me that when life gets tough, there is still time for laughter. I will never forget the dances you put on for the family after your long work days or your singing to the country songs you played in the car. Your outgoing and silly personality is one reason why everyone loved your presence.
5. Thank you for loving me.
If I could take back every hug, kiss, pat on the back, and 'I love you' received by you, I would. I never realized how truly amazing it was to get them from you and I will cherish every moment for the rest of my life. Your unconditional love is my last thought before I fall asleep each night.
So don't forget to tell your parents you love them, before it is too late.
Love,
Your Daughter
