Thank You, Dad

Dear Dad,

Thank you for the mornings you woke up early to take us to school or water polo practice or seminary. Even though you were tired and falling asleep on the road, you still did it over and over again. When I wake up early to drive long distances to work, I think of the dedication it must have taken for you to do that for us.

Thank you for always coming to all of our shows and events and for always wanting to be involved in our lives. Even though I didn’t always appreciate it at the time, I knew I could always count on you to be there.

Thank you for reading to us at night. I remember falling asleep to the sound of your voice. I remember the exciting stories. I don’t read very often because I feel like there’s so many other things going on, but I still love the kind of books you would read to us.

Thank you for teaching me how to have fun. Whenever I think of fun, I think of you. Thank you for my love of games and movies. I find myself asking the same question you always used to ask us, “do you want to play a game?” It reminds me of you and I treasure the memory.

Thank you for being different. It makes me not feel so alone when I stand out. You were never afraid to stand out. I admire that and want to be like that someday.

I know we haven’t always gotten along, but I’m grateful that our relationship has gotten better over the last couple of years. I’m grateful that I can see you now, not as who I expected you to be, but as you really are. If I had chosen to see earlier, I would have realized just how dedicated, loving, compassionate, and amazing you really are. I’m glad I can see it now.

I love you, Dad. Thanks for all you have done and all you have been for me.