Hi Dad. First I want to let you know that I love you. I mean, I know that should be obvious. But once you asked me to never let this world shut down my feelings, and since then I’ve always made sure that I remind people how much I love them whenever I get the chance. And right now, I’m taking the chance to tell you that I’m so happy to have you in my life.
People have always told us that we look alike. Sometimes I don’t know if I should be insulted because I know we own a lot of the same shirts, but you are bald, and you have facial hair. What I really wish people would say that our minds are alike. You’ve always put others before yourself; don’t think I never noticed. Some days you go to work before the sun is up and you don’t get out of work until after the sun is down. I know it’s not the type of job you’d keep if you didn’t have your family in your life. But sometimes you do things you normally wouldn’t because you’re doing it for the happiness of others. Thank you for teaching me to be as selfless as you.
I have had plenty of people in my life call me strong. I’m strong because I’ve had some pretty good role models (quick shout out to my mom; I love you). I watched you fiercely support our family after you lost your sister. You told me you had your time to be sad and right now it was just about making sure you were taking care of other people. When my best friend lost her older brother, I was devastated. But remembering what you went through made me realize that I would be okay, and I had to make sure others were too. Thank you for showing me how to be brave.
I’m really proud to have a dad that other people also consider their father. You’ve become a great person for my friends, and my sister’s friends, to look up to. You’re such a good dad that it radiates off of you. If people can’t tell you’re a dad by your jokes or the way you dress, then they can tell by the way you treat others.
One of my favorite things about you, is that you remind me to take care of myself in the most simple of ways. I think it’s because sometimes you don’t always have advice on the specific problem, and that’s okay because just seeing that you’re doing your best to help makes me feel better. You always make sure that I’m drinking lots of water. You make sure I’m keeping up on my homework. You make sure I’m sleeping. Because you spent so much time making sure that I do those things, I made a habit of making sure I’m doing them too.
Words can never properly express how proud I am of you. I’m so lucky to have you around to always make really bad jokes, and sing along to songs you shouldn’t sing along to. Even though I act like I’m embarrassed, I’m always going to laugh when you come into my room to show off your jorts. You’re not just a great dad, and a great role model…you’re a great person. Thank you for everything you do for me, and for everyone else. I love you.
