Dear Daddy,
You are the strongest wave of the ocean that protects everything in its path, whispering goodnight to each footprint in the sand. You are the bravest lion in the jungle, fighting every single monster under the bed. You are the brightest star in the galaxy, using your jedi powers to dry each tear that rolls down my cheek.
It's not Father's Day. It's not your birthday. It's not any special day at all, actually. I just really wanted to write something for you when you least expect it. You're the best dad in the whole wide universe and it's time I've properly thanked you for all that you are and all that you do. So here we go:
Thank you for being my coach. You have encouraged me to love the game of basketball just as you do, and I can't even begin to explain how much I appreciate your dedication to making me a better player. You were always involved with my teams in elementary school and middle school, and you took us to fourth place (which was pretty impressive for my age group in our town) when I was in the eighth grade. You taught me the pic and roll, the up and under, and the art of backpedaling to beat my opponent. You have given me your speed genes (or lack thereof), but that's okay because you always say: "If you're going to be slow, you gotta be smart!" You have always worked with me to build up my basketball IQ and discover new strategies of the game. Now that I'm in college, I go to Stonehill's games and analyze their offenses, yell at the refs, and embarrass my friends with my mental investment. What can I say? It's not my fault that I love basketball.
Thank you for our movie marathon dates. It could be Harry Potter, Star Wars, Hook, Willy Wonka, The Vow or The Emperor's New Groove; you're always up for anything. My favorite is when you text me or yell from the other side of the house that you're watching something you know I'll want to join in on. Or when you're at home and I'm at school and you text me to let me know what's on, when it started, and what channel I will find it on (especially if it's a sappy romance movie like The Notebook). I really loved watching movies with you when I was home for Easter. It's like a non-stop movie quoting palooza; you start the line and I finish it or vice versa. "Don't you dare stop me Smee!"
Thank you for holding our family together. We've been through some pretty difficult experiences, haven't we? I don't know how you and mommy got through those first couple of years without Adam. I don't know how you were able to drive to that hospital again, when I was diagnosed with diabetes. You always manage to put everyone's needs before your own, making sure we are cared for and loved every second of the day. You are always there to help Jack and I through whatever it is we are going through, but even more than that, you look at our mother like she is the brightest light in your life and in your heart. You support her, encourage her, and you'll always stick up for her if you feel that someone has wronged her, whether they're "8 or 88 love". You hold her, you're patient with her, you listen to her. You love our mommy the way every woman deserves to be loved and I would be so incredibly lucky if I found someone to love me the way you love her. It's truly something I look up to, admire, and hope to find someday. Thank you for displaying such an amazing example, and for setting my expectations so high. We are so blessed to have you.
Thank you for being you. I love our car rides. I love your egg sandwiches. I love when you ask me "what band is this?" because even though you know every song that every band sings in the history of forever, I never know ACDC from U2 from The Who. I love your face when I surprise you with an iced coffee. I love your cheeseburgers. I love when you flick my ponytail. I love when you hug me and let me stay for a while before letting go. I love when you do your magical hand warming thing that brings circulation back to my freezing cold hands. I love your sense of humor even though a lot of it is at my expense. I love how logical your brain is because we often think the same way, which allows us to understand each other. I love when you whistle random things and make random funny noises. I love your funny stories. I love when you think my stories are funny. I love spending time with you. I love playing video games with you. I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOUUU (-Buddy reference). Thanks for being the best dad in the whole wide universe daddy; you are my role model and my hero. I adore you, I treasure you, and I am so incredibly grateful for all that you are and all that you do.
