How do you thank the man who was always there for you?
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Dear Dad,
Where would I be without you? You brought me along, raised me and showed me how to live life. You showed me the definition of hard work with multiple jobs at a time. Trying to keep you and me together the best you could. Any job that would pay higher than the last job you had. Wine salesman, Bartender, Bouncer, Office job, it didn’t matter. Whatever it took to keep a smile on my young face. Whether it was bringing me new video games to playing catch to taking me to get chicken strips you were always there for me. We were best friends.
I wanted to be just like you. You loved sports, so I did too. Waking me up early so we could start our morning jog through the trails of Fairfield, Iowa. Teaching me how to run routes as a wide receiver in football. How to shoot a basketball. How to run long distance in track. How to lift weights and how to embrace adversity. You didn’t have the proper guidance growing up but you made sure I did. You always told me, “ I am you and you are me.” Years later, I’m starting to realize what you meant.
You wanted to be someone in life and so do I. You didn’t want me to have to go through the things you went through, but I went through them too. I didn’t realize it growing up but you were always looking out for me. Making sure I knew right from wrong. Making sure I was in the best possible situation to be successful in whatever I wanted to try or do. Giving me hints and life lessons even when I thought I knew it all. You stood by my side countless times, even when I was at my lowest points. You made sure your presence was felt and I would never feel alone in this world. My mom couldn’t raise me but you stepped up. She wasn’t ready to grow up, but you were. We were best friends.
You grew up rough. You always made sure I knew where you came from and how important that was to you. You made sure I wouldn’t have to grow up like you did. You worked so I would never lack in clothes or shoes like you. Your family struggled, but you and your brothers always had each others back. Family is all we have in this world and you taught me how to be loyal to our family. Your struggles made you the man you are today and I can’t put into words how proud I am to be able to call you my best friend. You went from busting your ass physically to using your mind to create a life that means so much more. You didn’t graduate high school and here you are now with your Master’s degree.
I call you my hero, my best friend but you’re so much more. You’re the best father I could ask for. It hurts me to know all the things I put you through growing up and how many bad decisions I made that negatively affected you and our family. I was a pretty bad child going through high school but you stayed strong and helped me find my way. Even when I thought I hit rock bottom, you were there to make sure I didn’t stay there long. I can only hope to make you proud one day. The way I look and feel towards you is how I can only hope my son looks at me. I wish every child would be blessed enough to have a parent like you in their lives. To my father. Without you, I wouldn’t know how to be a father to my own child now. Thank your for being my best friend.
And one more thing … Happy Birthday Dad!
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