For the last 12 years you have been in charge of my life. You have grounded me, you have lectured me, you have taken my car keys, my phone, and everything in between. You have publicly embarrassed me, hurt my feelings, and gotten on my last nerve. You have yelled at me, you have scolded me, you have disagreed with my opinions. For the last 12 years, you have been in charge of my life. So I have finally decided I have something to say. You are NOT my father.
You are not my father, but you taught me how to pull a tooth.
You are not my father, but you were there when I learned to ride a bike.
You are not my father, but you re-bought goldfish, secretly, every time they died.
You are not my father, but you were Santa every Christmas.
You are not my father, but you helped me with my math homework.
You are not my father, but you have never missed a recital, a talent show, a school dance, or a game.
You are not my father, but you have supported me in any new hobby I have ever tried. And there are quite a lot.
You are not my father, but you planned my sweet 16.
You are not my father, but you bought me my first car.
You are not my father, but you helped teach me how to drive.
You are not my father, but you’ve listened to all my stories, and know all my friends.
You are not my father, but you have taken care of me when I am sick.
You are not my father, but you helped decide when I was old enough to wear makeup.
You are not my father, but you decided when I was old enough to date.
You are not my father, but you have scared the life out of every boyfriend I’ve ever had.
You are not my father, but you taught me not to settle, and to never let someone disrespect me.
You are not my father, but you taught me how to stick up for myself.
You are not my father, but you have taught me respect, and manners.
You are not my father, but you moved me into my dorm room, and rearranged my furniture a million times.
You are not my father, but you help support me, and make it possible for me to live the life I do.
You are not my father, but you have helped me make every important life decision.
You are not my father, but you have helped make me who I am.
You are NOT my father, but you are my dad. You are the man I admire most. You are the one who makes everything possible. You’re the one who raised me, and taught me almost everything I know. You’re the one who has been there for every big milestone, or life event. You’re the one who taught me what I deserve and to never settle for less. You may not be my father, but you‘re so much more than that. I love you, Dad. Thank you for being you.
