One of the greatest influences of a child’s life is their father. He shapes the way you look at men and sets the standards of men you allow in your life. So many families grow up without father figures. According to the Nation Fatherhood Initiative, one out of every three households doesn’t have their biological father in there home. So many people, including myself, don’t think about the implications of not living with your father. So frequently I take for granted how fortunate I am to have not only a dad who is involved in my every day life, but also a father who constantly exceeds every expectation I could have of him.
Dear Dad,
I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you. Thank you for providing for us, and working so hard to make sure we have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and giving my brother and I an impeccable foundation to start our lives on. You have exceeded in every way possible as a father. With everything you do and how hard you work, you have never failed to be there on the sideline cheering us on. Your drive and motivation inspires me everyday to work hard and to follow my dreams. I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do for our family. Without you in our lives, I have no idea where we would be.
Every since I left for college, I didn’t truly know what it was like to be on my own. To some extent it scared me. I was afraid of the possibility of failing. And it wasn’t until I left that I realized how much I’d miss you. Although college is great, there comes time in the day where I just want to be together and sit down as a family. But you have prepared me well for this time in my life, and I’m confident that I can do it and I know you’re just a phone call away.
I know life isn’t always perfect; there comes times where we doubt ourselves and are scared of what the future is holding. I know you put the pressure on yourself to make sure our family is okay and will forge on. But please, don’t be so hard on yourself and look at what an amazing life you have built for all of us. You have succeeded, and our family is the proof of that.
I will never be able to explain in words how proud I am to be your daughter. You have given me more knowledge and guidance than anyone else ever has. And there aren’t enough times I could thank you in this world to express how grateful I am for you.
Happy Birthday Dad, I love you.
