06/28/07

"I wont lie to you, Fatherhood isn't easy like Motherhood"

                                                           `Homer Simpson

I wrote this letter to my dad on his last day of work before retiring from the Union Pacific railroad

Dad,

Congratulations on this your last day of work!

I’m so proud of you Dad, many men dream of this day and never achieve it, please enjoy every second of it, savor it, you deserve it.  

How do I thank you for everything you done for me, for teaching me how to be a man?

How can I show my gratitude for the way that you treat my children?

I don’t know if I can ever show you how much I love and appreciate your presence in my life. Please know that you were the rock, the stability and one steady influence that I could always count on. 

I want you to know that I learned to work hard from you.

I learned to love my children and wife unconditionally from you.

You taught me how to return peoples anger and hatred with patience and humor.

I learned that my job as a provider for my family was the most important task in my life.

You also taught me how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life like football, music and fishing.

You taught me that a man can regain his dignity and strength when the world tries so hard to take it away.

You showed me how to laugh at myself and not to take anyone too seriously.

You introduced me to God, which allowed me have a relationship with him to this day.

You taught me how to forgive.

You taught me how to be tough and that it is ok to stand up for myself.

When you took over care for Amanda, you gave her more love than anyone else ever could. Your beautiful relationship with her is now is the fruit of all of that hard work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring for my baby when she needed you most.

You provided and sacrificed so much financially for us, I don’t know how I could ever begin to repay you.

Your greatest strength is your quiet but powerful presence in all of our lives.

Now during this very difficult time in my life you are still supporting, feeding and teaching me and my family.

Many men would like to be in your position today, but me, I will keep my position right here, were I am, next to you, proudly and thankfully, Your son. Michael