Dear Dad, A.K.A. “Punchie,”
Growing up as an only child can be boring, especially when most of your friends have siblings and talk about the fun times or the fights that they had that you’ll never understand. What made being an only child more fun though was when I got to tell them about how our dynamic was essentially you acting as the 12-year-old brother that I never wanted. At first they’d be confused when I told them that we joke like we are siblings, because most of them have strictly father-daughter relationships, but then they’d meet you and become jealous, which I must admit has become a guilty pleasure of mine.
You have always found the perfect balance between acting as a father when the situation calls for it and acting not only as a brother during the fun moments, but also as a best friend. Even when I’m in my worst mood and I get annoyed at you for pulling a funny face or saying something in a goofy way, I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world. I find it especially funny when mom describes us as her two children to others (though it’s less funny when you get me in trouble when we banter).
Whether we’re subtly pushing against each other’s arm in church so mom won’t find out or walking around the neighborhood when the weather is warm, we never have a dull moment. Although you pretend to play it cool when my friends are around -- saying afterwards that you were on your “best behavior” -- you always manage to make a skeptical face at me when I say something that has everyone in stitches. It’s never been a far leap that my friends at college and at home think that you’re cooler than me, but I’ve come to accept that it is a cross that I’ll have to bear in life (I know that they’re wrong).
Some children have a father. Others are lucky enough to have a dad. However, few are so lucky to have both of those and a best friend. You are always supporting me in everything that I do and I am eternally grateful for your love and patience. You make me laugh, you drive me crazy and you let me cry on your shoulder. There are times that I doubt you have a serious bone in your body, but you’re always ready to talk when I reach out to you, even when we’re separated by a couple state borders. You never doubt me and your belief that I will succeed and do great things is one of my largest motivators.
There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful to have you in my life. Whether I’m at home spending time with you and mom or you’re keeping me company on the phone during my walks across campus, you have always been a constant figure in my life, which so many children cannot say that they have. You are easily one of my biggest role models and I hope to one day emulate the same graciousness and intelligence that you share with those around you. Thank you for being a wonderful father, dad and best friend.
Love,
Ari, A.K.A. “Smosby”