Didn't Have To Be..

Dear Dad,

How do I even begin? This letter is to a Hero. You are probably confused, thinking your not even close to what would be a Hero. You've never gave yourself enough credit, but I'm about to. You know this story from your side, but now I'd like to tell you mine. Tell you exactly why I believe you are the greatest Hero and blessing in my life.

I cant remember much from a young age. My memory is not perfect. I know the story of the way you met Mom. I know that you were working on hot water heaters and she was out in her front yard playing... with me. Now most men would have said to themselves 'never mind.' Some may have thought I was too much baggage, and we both know that I was. You still came over, you walked right into our lives and you never left again.

You can never imagine the feeling of abandonment. Its crippling, debilitating, crushing. I may not have remembered much from that time, but obviously by my behavior at that age I was suffering from the side effects of my abandonment. I buried all my male barbies for Christ sake! I was messed up. I acted out and demanded attention, even as I grew, but you never ran, or gave up. You stuck by me every moment.

You know how much I love you. I hope you do anyway. You have been through so much, always by my side. You had your downfalls as we all do, but you were a wonderful Dad. My 'Father' was in the picture a little, but he could never compare to you or the relationship we have. What we have is strong and unbreakable. You have loved me and stood by me through it all and I love you so much now I would die for you or without you. You were the one who walked in the snow to get to the hospital to see me. You were the one who couldn't put me on the school bus on the first day of school and ended up walking me. You were the one who stayed up with me all night and never left my side while I suffered through labor pains. How can I ever repay you or thank you enough?

I was always carrying the pain around of not being wanted. Even when I was acting out I wasn't realizing why for most of my life. I try to go through life trying not to show anything I'm feeling. You could always see right through me, because you said I was just like you. Sometimes you knew something was wrong with me before I did. That's what Dads are supposed to do. My 'Father' is lucky to remember my birthday.

You see yourself as a regular person, nothing special. I know how low you felt about yourself because of how your injuries affected our lives growing up, but do you think I remember the money you had? No Sir. I remember you having the patience to teach me anything. I remember you being there for every important moment of my life. I remember you playing ball, swimming at the lake, and dancing behind Moms back when she wasn't watching.

All in all, you were a single man who came into my life and replaced what was missing for a sad, lonely, scared, three year old girl. You made my Mom happy. You helped give me two beautiful little sisters to share my life with. A Hero to me is someone who saves a life, or makes a significant difference in someones life because they choose to do so without any persuasion or questions or with a hand out asking whats in it for them. Dad, you saved my life, and you've made a huge change in my life and continue to everyday I am blessed enough to have you.

I pray that one day you will see the man in the mirror that I see every time I look at you. A strong, determined, gracious, kind, loving, amazing Dad, and my Hero. I write this to you with all my love, and with all the thanks in the world. You didn't have to do anything for me or love me at all, you chose to.

Love, Respect, and Honor Always

Your Daughter