An open letter; to the man who raised me.
Happy Father's Day.
You didn't have to love me. You didn't have to, but you did. I was young, and yet already a bit damaged. I had a father, but I needed a dad. You didn't have to work hard to become that person.
We both know we are not ones for heartfelt words, we do not do that often. I know we crack jokes at each other, like "hey, you married into this." And I know we act silly and sometimes a little crazy. And I know I don't know a thing about the patriots. And I know I still sleep with the lights on and it drives you nuts.
There are so many things you as a father deserve to hear. It won't happen everyday though... So don't get too excited, haha.
But, in all seriousness... thank you.
You didn't have to wait for me to warm up to you. You didn't have to do everything you've done for me and my mother. You didn't have to take me on. But you did. You didn't have to be the person to check for monsters and spiders. But it made me feel safe, it still does, knowing you are around. And for that I am grateful. I'm thankful for you, that you cracked my shell, even if it took a while.
I'm thankful that you call me your girl to your friends and your family. I'm thankful for all the smiles you gave my mom. Cause she can light up a room with her smile.
You didn't have to fix me up every time I fell and got a scrape. You didn't have to tell me "I never liked him anyway" when I got my heart broken. You didn't have to give me your only $20 bill when I wanted to go to the mall to buy something stupid. You didn't have to love me, and accept me as your own. But you did and I am so thankful for that. That you married my mother, and I gained someone who knows when I'm upset and knows how to make me laugh.
Thank you for giving my mom happiness after all she's been through. Thank you for giving me a brother, someone to share my life with. Someone new to love. Someone that I am equal to in your eyes. You love me and that is the best thing a father can do for his child.
Although I am not a child anymore. It would make me happy if you would be the one to walk me down the isle someday. It would make me happy to dance with you. It would make me happy if my future children could call you "grandpa", "Grampy" or "pops", whatever you want. It would make me happy if you'd fix them up when they got a booboo. It would make me happy if you told my kids stories about our family. It would make me happy if you share in my accomplishments. If I can make you proud to have done everything you have for me.
Know that you are part of what makes me who I am. You didn't have to love me, but you did. You didn't have to be my father figure, but you are. I know you will always be in my life, and I wouldn't wish it any other way. You'll always be a great dad. I am thankful for the kind of man you are and for giving me your love.
Anyone can be a father, it takes someone special to be a dad.
End of gushy talk. Okay? But seriously, happy Father's Day. With love.
