My Father

I have a fantastic father. He has always been an example of kindness, strength, and wisdom in my life. More than that, though, I am amazed at the humor he has. Even on the worst of days Dad always has a smile for me when he sees me, and he always manages to make some sort of pun, even if it is about what is wrong at the time.

I often don't know how my dad finds the strength to keep going. He has faced so much adversity and overcome so much, and he still has hope. Dad is always talking about the latest brilliant idea he's come up with or how he would improve this or that--he is constantly working to make the world a better place. I respect that element of his personality so much. He really believes that he can change the world, and I know that he can. His intelligence is a tool to help him do that, and he's always humble enough to see how he can improve himself.

How could I honestly have a better father?

When I was born with my skin disorder he could've given up hope or treated me as if I were made out of glass. Instead, he taught me to be strong and to follow my dreams. I was never treated like a hindrance, even when we had to drive through Death Valley without air conditioning when it was 110 degrees outside and he had to figure out how to keep me cool during the journey. If anything, he has always made me feel intelligent and beautiful. I am so blessed to have him in my life. Without his positive influence I could have grown up to be bitter or shy; I am confident and progressive because of him.

I just wish that others could realize how great a man my father is. He is integrity and kindness, joy and intelligence...and yet so many people treat him like he's worthless. When his work tries to break him or people condescend to him I just want to shake them. I want to tell them how fantastic he is and how much they could learn from him; but, I know they would not listen to me.

I just want my father to know that I love him with all of my heart and that I am so grateful for everything he is in my life. I am a success because he has believed in me and because he has taught me how to look for ways to solve the problems around me. I pray that his dreams do come true and that he finds further happiness in his life.

Love you, Daddy.