An Open Letter To My Dad
Start writing a post
Relationships

An Open Letter To My Dad

From the time I could walk, I looked up to you. You have always been my hero, whether I show it or not.

23
An Open Letter To My Dad
Carlee Harkey

Growing up I never once questioned the path you chose for us because the trust I have in you is unimaginable. Now that I'm older and understand the struggle you went through, my respect and gratitude is unthinkable. As a father, you sacrificed so much to assure i never had to go without. Not many little girls get to say, "my daddy dressed me for dance", "my dad did my hair today", or my favorite, "my daddy went pageant and prom dress shopping with me." The little things you have done for me have never gone unnoticed.

When I looked back you were always there.

Whether you were letting me crawl in bed and wake you when I got scared of a thunderstorm, giving me boy advice or making sure my cheer uniform was always pulled down to my knees, you were the best dad I could have ever asked for. I'm sure I wasn't always the easiest to raise, but you raised me to be everything you are, including the not so great parts- like my smart alecky and stubborn traits. In lieu of you teaching me to drive a tractor, to change my oil and to shoot a gun properly, you taught me to never give up when times get difficult. One time my horse was acting up and when I tried to get up off, you forced me to get back up and to ride it out, that it would pass if I just stuck it out. Even though at that time I thought you were just being cruel, you taught me the most valuable lesson in life.

I was told once by a friend, "you act the way you do because your dad was too good of a man and he raised you to be just like him." Those were the kindest, cherishing words a 20-something year old could ever hear. Today I am bold, I am respectful, I am a woman of God, I am tough, and I am proud to say you are the reason for this. I pray to be a parent like you are. I have always prayed to be a respectable person like you. I can never thank you enough for preparing me for the journey God has set out for me. I can never tell you how grateful I am to you for being my daddy and my favorite teacher. You will always have a sidekick, with me beside you. I love you, old man.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

99763
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments