Dear Dad,

Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me.

You are the epitome of a role model; Kind, compassionate, attentive, hardworking, reliable, loving, protective— the list is truly infinite.

Thank you for making our family a priority. For teaching me the meaning of love and devotion to those you care for. My younger self didn’t understand why “no” meant “no.” My older self now appreciates every ounce of tough love you have ever given me. You gave me enough freedom to make mistakes of my own, but guided me when it came time to learn from them.

Thank you for instilling in me the principle that giving primes over receiving. That with an attitude of gratitude, everything else will follow.

You've taught me to always speak for what I believe to be the truth, and to advocate for what’s right. To form my own ideas, rather than trail behind the status quo: Anyone can swim with a current— it takes a strong person to swim against it. You pushed me to swim in my own direction, because you knew that the path of most resistance leads to the greatest reward. You taught me to trust my judgment, and live a life based on self-encouragement.

You taught me to replace angst towards the unknown into curiosity. You’ve given me my sense of grit: If I want something I’ve never had, I need to be willing to do something I’ve never done.

You taught me to work hard in silence, so that success can make the noise. That it’s okay to walk slowly, but to never walk backward. Hard work, persistence, and sacrifice = success.

You’re always there when I need you, without question. I can depend on you like no other, and I am so grateful for the inseparable relationship we share.

I aspire to have even half the impact you have on others. I admire you in ways words simply can’t do justice. You are the greatest man I have ever known, and I am so proud to call you my dad.

I love more than you could ever know.