Dad,

I want to take this time to thank you for all that you have taught me. I am undoubtedly positive that I would not be as strong-willed, determined, or easily entertained if it were not for you. Obviously, I came into your life as an actual gift from God, I mean, look at me. But on a more serious note, I know my life would be drastically different if you were not in it. I am forever grateful for you.

I want to thank you for always attending my sporting events and high-fiving rather than punishing me after I got kicked out of that one lacrosse game. You taught me to stick up for what is right, and that girl deserved a little nudge anyway. Each track and swim meet, cheer competition, soccer, softball, and basketball game you came to was a big deal for me. I remember thinking about how much I wanted to impress you and show you that my hard work was paying off, because you have been such a hard worker your entire life. Thank you for spending endless hours on the side lawn practicing whatever sport I was into with me and never letting me win a one-on-one. At a young age, I learned that I needed to work hard for what I want, and there was just no way you were going to give me anything without me putting effort into it.

I want to thank you for telling me to not bring boys home unless they were important. I soon realized that your interest depended on my happiness, and I began to value my heart as much as you value your and Mom’s relationship.

Which brings me to another point: thank you for being the perfect example of what a husband should look like. You and Mom have maintained a healthy, loving marriage filled with spontaneity for 27 years and have shown me that true love does not die. When the time comes for you to give me away, I will settle for nothing less.

I want to thank you for you humor and taste in music. Obviously, it got passed down to me, because you and I get along way too well. I cherish the moments Mom puts her serious face on and scolds us for goofing off too much in church, and I look forward to our car rides, because we mutually understand that the first song that will be blasted is "Disaster" by Blink-182.

I want to thank you for giving me my freedom. I never felt like I had strict parents, but I know you two care. As long as you know I am safe and staying out of trouble, we are good to go. You always let me be my own person, but will pull me back in when I need it. We don’t talk every day, but we don’t have to. I’m an adult now, and we both have our lives to live. As I slowly make my way into the real world, it can be scary, but I know you are there, no matter what. You are one of the first people I call with the exciting or devastating news, because your encouragement and support is one of the things that keeps me going.

I want to thank you for your ability to keep calm when most people wouldn’t be able to. It wasn’t easy seeing you in a hospital bed for three months after your ski accident, but you took it like a champ and came out unfazed. We were back on the mountain the next winter.

When tragedy happens, I know I can look to you and hear words of comfort. You are the strongest man I know, and have taught me that with everything that happens, it is going to be okay.

Finally, I want to thank you for never giving up on me. You push me to be my best, even if you don’t know it, and help me overcome obstacles that otherwise would bring me down. Sometimes, being away at college is really hard, and there are few things I want more than to sit on your lap like I did when I was a kid, even though I’m 20 now. I have never been disappointed to call you my father, and each day, you continue to inspire me. For that, I thank you.

Love,

Devon