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Dad,
I know love because you loved me.
I know community because you were selfless and never thought twice about helping others.
I know integrity because you modeled it for me.
I know sports because you taught and encouraged me.
I know my way around a car because you patiently showed me.
I know how to fish because you shared your passions with me.
But also…
I know equity because you always did what you could to level the playing field for everyone.
I know justice because you modeled fairness in your home.
I know liberation because you never tried to shrink me, only empower me.
I know God because you lived a life of character, driven by an innate desire to make life better for those around you.
I am authentically me…because you were always authentically you. Thank you for molding and shaping me with the perfect balance of firm guidance and freedom. When I am at my best, I am your daughter.
I love you. I miss you.
Previously published on Medium.
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Photo provided by the author.
Emily, that’s so beautiful. Thank you. I hope I’ll be worthy to have my daughter write something like that while I’m alive. As you know I think our relationship to our fathers (for males and females) is critical in so many ways that are not recognized and acknowledged. I appreciate GMP for having a strong commitment to bringing forth these issues and supporting me in my writing and encouraging my new book, My Distant Dad: Healing the Family Father Wound.
Thank you so much, Jed. I actually wrote this while my father was alive…for father’s day a couple years ago. I changed it slightly since I didn’t post it on GMP until after his death. He was a wonderful man who definitely shaped who I am today. I’d love to read your new book.