Dear Padre,
I'm grown now dad.
You don’t see me as grown sometimes but I know it’s hard to see me not as the same little gal and I’m even more certain that it’s hard for you to see me struggle as well. I can’t imagine the joy you feel to see me happy or the peace you have when you know that I am alright.
But this letter is not about me.
This letter is to you and about you.
You gave me everything and more.
You taught me necessary life lessons and more.
You have loved me and more than I deserve.
They say fatherhood is obligation but it is also a choice everyday of your life.
My 22 years have never been without you and I want to say thank you for that. You choose me everyday. Even when I don’t choose you. Even when I was bratty teenager. Yes, even when I (unfortunately) told you that I hated you. Ugh, what a brat I was. Even when I tell you my sins and struggles. You choose to always love me. You choose me every time.
I do not know what it is like to not have a father figure and for that I am truly blessed.
This letter is not to brag, but to say thank you to all the trying and loving dads out there, this is for you.
Thank you for never giving up on me. Thanks for starting our relationship from day one. Remember our monthly father, daughter dates? Or the YMCA “Indian Princess” group you signed us up for? (this was a father/daughter program). Endless camping trips, Valentines Dances, Polar Bear swims. Yeah, all that sounds really lame now but it’s not, it wasn’t. It built a strong foundation for one of the most important relationships I will ever have or experience.
The shopping trips you actually didn’t want to go on but you spent the time with me anyway. Or the coffee dates we had when you actually don’t like coffee but made me order you something anyway, only because you didn’t know what to get or what to say.
The support you gave me as I went to college. The support you gave when I decided not to go back. The support you gave even when I moved hours and hours away. The support you give me as I miss you and home. The hours you drive to see me now. The endless amounts of money you have spent on me over the years (even the unnecessary things).
You also taught me a lot. You taught me how to manage my money (even though I’m too anal about it now). You taught me how to use power tools (even though I’m still not someone you should feel safe around). You taught me adventure and how to have a “free spirit” and be myself. You enjoy art with me and we have similar personalities (which can be challenging).
Thanks too for pushing me to do things and try things. Also for accepting me through all the weird phases. For all the weird ideas, clothes I put on, hair I had, tattoos (lol), you always accepted me.
And there is still so much.
Sometimes all I needed was a hug. You always seemed to know when to say something or nothing at all. No questions, just a hug. I really appreciate that. As I sit here writing this, I realize how lucky we are to have such a great relationship. You are my fellow art companion, my teacher, and my greatest friend...Most importantly though.
You’re a Christ like father.
You are my earthly father that directs me towards my heavenly One.
I can look to you for wisdom and advice.
I can look to you for prayer and help.
I can look to you and be told to look to Christ.
I admire you so much dad.
I respect you.
I thank you for the life you have given me and the love I receive.
I wish this for every gal because there is nothing like it.
Thank you for being my dad.
