As a kid, I saw the world a lot differently than I do now. I believed I could do anything and the only one holding me back was me. But I remember you, dad. You would look me right in the eyes and tell me to fight for anything I wanted. Even if there were tears on the verge of rolling down my cheeks, you told me to fight for whatever it was. I knew that you just wanted to see me succeed and not let anyone hold me back because there were some pretty cruel people out there. I know that you tried to hide me away from all the troubles the world brought and the nasty things people could say, but I learned to be an advocate for myself.
Sports dominated our everyday lives since the day I could walk. I got bumps and bruise here and there, physically and mentally. When the injuries were physical, you taught me to look at the situation and take on what I could then and there. You taught me to focus on the present because that was what was going to make me better in the future. In moments like those, you were my hero. Especially in those moments where I felt mentally weak. We spent many long weekends together, where I was so frustrated that I didn't get to see any playing time or where the weekends felt like they were never going to end. But I knew at the end of the day that you were my number one fan, my moral compass if you will.
Dad, you want to know another reason why you are my hero? You make me laugh, even after I have been crying. You always know just want to say to shake those bad thoughts or emotions. I think that is one of your superpowers because it is probably an impossible task to change my mood like that.
I know that you were not the nurturing to me as a grew up but I learned so much from you. I have learned to be a strong and confident individual who respects those around her. You taught me that gold stars weren't just passed out but earned. And in that, I learned to be humble and accept what I have rightfully earned.
I know that Father's Day comes around just once a year, but you deserve to be recognized more than just that one day. I know that you don't physically ever wear a cape, but you are a hero in my eyes.