Dad, you are the world to me. Maybe I don’t say it much, or ever, but I look up to you more than I can say.

You were the one who taught me how to ride my bike. I still remember when I first took off the training wheels and pedaled three times before crashing into your arms. You were always there to catch me when I fell.

You were the one who always made me laugh. I remember when you would tickle me until I laughed so hard my stomach hurt, or say that silly Polish phrase over and over that I found so funny. You always cracked the worst jokes (and still do), and teased me just a little - but you always let me get you back.

You were the one who helped me paint my room when I wanted it blue instead of purple. You helped me pick out the color, and then taught me how to paint so the lines were straight and even. When we were all done, sometimes I would just look at the walls. You were always there to help me when I wanted something.

You were the one who stood up for me when I had my first breakup. Everyone else thought it was okay and he didn’t do anything wrong; but you didn’t let him off the hook. You were always there to defend me.

You were the one to bring me to college. You took me to my dorm, carried everything inside, and told me “I love you” when you finally let go. You were always by my side, but also ready to let me fly.

Dad, sometimes I took everything you did for granted. All the meals you cooked, the hours you worked, the late nights you spent fixing broken things around the house; the naps you missed, the toys you bought me, the endless driving of me everywhere. There isn’t an end to the list of sacrifices you made for me and continue to make. I wish I could do something to repay you.

Instead, Dad, I will pass this love on to my children and to my family. I will make these sacrifices and climb these mountains the same way you did for me; maybe not as well, but I promise to try. And that is how I will show my gratitude. But all I can say is, thank you Pa.