I just want to say, thank you, dad, for all the sacrifices you have made to make sure all of your daughters are happy and safe. (Even if that means taking us shopping when we know you really hate it) But honestly, thank you. I know I don’t say it often because sometimes I just don’t know how.
Thank you for teaching me how to play softball, and helping coach my team the whole eight years that I played. Thank you for all the helpful hints and the words of encouragement if I struck out. Thank you again for also helping me fall in love with baseball. I appreciate every Brewers Game you’ve ever brought me to (even if you and my sisters think I’m bad luck). Those memories we make at the game, and tailgating will stay with me forever.
Thank you for giving me your characteristic of not having a filter and saying what’s on my mind. I know many people see that as a bad characteristic but who the f*ck cares? If it wasn't for you, I would not be as open to say what’s on my mind and probably wouldn’t swear as much as I do (which is something I really love doing).
Thank you for all the jobs you took to make sure my sisters and I were looked after. It must have been hard to wake up at 3 a.m. every morning to deliver newspapers, especially living in Wisconsin during the winter. We may have been too young to realize why you always took naps at home, but now I know why and am very grateful that you made that sacrifice of lack of sleep for all those years.
Thank you for not getting sick of constantly getting penguins for almost every holiday. It’s very hard to shop for men, but even harder when you’re 7-years-old and having to get or make your dad something for Christmas. Seriously, thank you for never getting sick of it and just turning it into a little collection from the past eighteen years of my life. I promise that sooner or later we’ll get you something different. (Probably not but we can only hope)
Thank you for driving down from Milwaukee each week to have dinner with us. I know it’s been hard since you and mom got divorced to see us, but thank you for making an effort. I know gas is not cheap, but just know, I really do appreciate you seeing us, even if it’s only for a few hours.
Thank you for not being mad that I never go to your house on the weekends I’m supposed to. It’s very hard being a teenager and wanting to spend your weekends with your friends, and not 45 minutes away. And thank you for understanding that I have to work Saturday’s and need money to help take some of the burden off of you and mom's shoulders. I wish I could have realized how much it sucks not seeing you every week since I went off to college, but thank you for still checking in on me every now and then.
Finally, thank you for being my dad. I know life wasn’t always so easy for our family, especially those really hard couple of years. But thank you for not abandoning us or giving up on us. I appreciate everything you do and always will.
