Gage Heaven

A letter to my hero

To my greatest hero and ally, my father. We didn't always see eye to eye but I suspect the same goes for most children and their parents. When I was a kid, you were always there when I scraped my knee or if I just wanted to pester you. Through all of my failings, you were there. You're the one who taught me everything I know and I know there are many more lessons to come. When I have children of my own, I hope to be as good of a father to them as you are to me. I owe so much to you. I know the things I do won't always make sense to you but I try to do right by you and for myself. When I suffered my first heartbreak, you were there to teach me that it isn't the end of the world, that they just weren't the one for me nor I for them. When my grades started suffering, you were there to put me back on the path to success. The day I graduated, you were the first person I looked for after the ceremony because I wanted to thank you for always pushing me to do better than I thought I was ever capable of. You might not have been there when I got my first job but you were there to tell me to take a step back and think about where people were coming from. I left you alone without any warning to move across the country and when it didn't work out for me, you welcomed me back with open arms and even though you knew it wouldn't work out, you let me experience it and learn from it, the day I came home was the day you told me that you wouldn't always be around to teach me these things so it is important that I must learn for myself, without your guidance. Since that day, I became more attentive to my surroundings as well as my actions. I know I haven't been the best son in these last few years but I want you to know I'm trying my hardest to make up for my wrongdoings against you. I know whatever my future holds, or whatever I decide to do in my life, that you'll always be there for me. I know you will do your best to pick me up and put me on the right path if I stray from it. You are the only person who I respect the most in my life, of course, I respect others for who they are, you hold the highest position in my life. I hope you're there for when I get married, for when I have a son or a daughter, I know you're going to tell me "I told you so" whenever they act out and I look forward to that day because then I'll know I'll be where you've always wanted me to be; successful in life. I know you did your best as a parent and I want you to know that when the time comes, I will do my best as well. I want you to be around for as long as possible because when you go, I will only have what you taught me and our memories together. I'll look back on any argument we may have had and I'll laugh, because no matter the disagreement, it would be a pointless argument. I'll share stories about you with those closest to me. You are my greatest hero and ally, I know you will have my back no matter what. If you ever get to read this letter, I love you, dad.