An open letter to our Dads

Dear Dad,

Right now, you’re probably at home reading the newspaper or working late to pay for our next tuition installment. Maybe you’re busy listening to how mom’s day was or driving one of us to our expensive voice lessons.

We wanted you to know how thankful we are for your strength, patience and wisdom. We see your daily struggle, your hard work, your sleepless nights. You are the rock and foundation of our family. You work hard to be our shield and protector. And even if all of this is true, that doesn’t mean we aren’t here to protect you either. You don’t have to be strong and brave all the time. We are here to give you strength when you feel weak and tired, to be brave when you are afraid. Never think, even for a second, that you are alone.

When you are tired, find rest in us. When you are sad, let us be your comfort. When you are afraid, let us be your courage. Know that we do not just stand behind you—we also stand with you—in all your endeavors. Remember to also do something for yourself, because you deserve all the love and happiness in the world for being the best dad there is.

Thank you for sending us to school, teaching us to work and scaring away all the monsters underneath our beds. Thank you for dreaming of a good life for us and finding ways for us to achieve that.

Though we can be stubborn and foolish and ungrateful, we know that we wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you.

And if you’re still alive and reading this, we want you to know that we don’t want to wait until you are gone for us to be able to tell you how much we love you.

We will never stop loving you. Our nurturer, our protectors, our providers, our lives—you, who have given us everything, will always be everything to us.

Happy Father’s Day!

Love,

Your children