Where do I begin,

this man is extraordinary.

There is so much I want to say

but I don't seem to find the correct words

or even more,

efficiently articulate my thoughts

to describe him.

 

Father, you've had your struggles

and your overwhelming moments

along with your successes, your breakthroughs,

and your "joy seconds".

I’ve seen you grow into this

Unstoppable,

Determined,

Loving individual

And you may not know this,

But it’s had a huge impact on me.

 

Father, not only your words

But with your action you have taught me to

Never, ever

Give up.

I know it’s easy to say

“Never give up”,

But you act on it.

 

Father, you have taught me

To always voice my opinions.

Stand up for what I believe in.

To defend my thoughts,

Because if I don’t,

Then what will I do?

 

Father, you taught me that in this lifetime,

Everyone's a student,

No matter the age.

 

Father, you have taught me to

DO SOMETHING.

Whatever it is,

But to take action.

 

Father, you have believed in me

Even when I didn’t.

 

Father, you have taught me

What good work looks like.

To go that extra mile.

 

Father, you taught me

To always think ahead.

To always be two steps in front.

 

Father, you have taught me

To never take no for an answer.

There’s always a different way.

 

Father, you taught me

to be sensitive

And the power of vulnerability.

 

Father, you encourage me

To get out of my comfort zone.

Never be afraid to ask for help.

 

Father, you taught me

To stand up for myself.

To be fully and unapologetically

Who I am.

 

Father, you taught me

What unconditional support feels like.

To know that I always have someone

To rely on.

 

Father, you taught me

That experiences are worth much more

Than material things.

 

Father, you taught me

To take risks.

Keep things exciting.

To never settle.

 

Father, you taught me

To surround myself with good people.

Because who I surround myself with

Is who I’ll become.

 

But mostly importantly,

Father,

You taught me to love myself.

 

YOU ARE AMAZING!

 

And I say that as I deeply feel

Every word slipping from my fingers

Onto the keyboard.

 

I am so grateful

To have a dad that supports me

In all my endeavours.

 

Thank you for always keeping me

Inspired and for pushing me.

 

You have taught me

More than you’ll ever know.

 

Thanks for being you.