The most perfect dad, a daughter could ever wish for? Well, yes you are. I could not imagine life without your teachings, wisdom and trainings. In you, I have learned to swim, drive and that life is pain, and that you need to learn to dance into the rain in order to survive...You have taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and faith in God; and even if you have not taught me, your life is a living testimony to it all.
As a father, you have always made the effort to guide us, sharing your version of what is right and what is wrong, but whether we listened to and followed that guidance has always been mainly up to us. Never a strict disciplinarian (you left that to Mama!), you preferred an approach of logic and reason instead.
I may have disappointed you sometimes, I know, though you are never too harsh with me. I have yet to read the Bible (will I ever do it in your lifetime?), and despite all the quizzes, trivias or debates during lunch time..I still don’t recall important historical facts and dates, nor do I understand politics or recognize politicians to any degree, even though “a judge's granddaughter should know these things or a law student perhaps.!”
Did you prefer that I choose a path different from the one I am now on? Yes, at times. Thank you for trying to influence and prevent me from making mistakes, but at the same time, for giving me the confidence to decide for myself, and the courage to make mistakes of my own anyway.
From you, I inherited my height, my smile, my faith in God and a penchant for reading and writing, some tenacity, a complete disdain of anything related to paperwork, (I remember how you told us stories during your college days, how you would put the dictionary on the second floor just so you could develop the discipline of going down and forth the stairs to learn a few words.lol..) a love for family, and an empathy for others.
When I got married you were there. Supporting me, whatever decisions I will be making. You have made me see the positive and not so positive side of it. When I walked in the aisle in the church with you beside me, how I smiled with teary-eyed.
But you made me feel less worried and even crack a joke while you were holding my hand walking me to Lester.
Thank you for all the life, values, experiences and trainings you have imparted with me. They have been my shield and armour in life.
We do not often say “I love you” out loud to each other, but the silent power of it within our family shouts out, for all the world to see and hear.
From your imperfect daughter with all my love. Happy Birthday and Fathers Day!
