Today, I want to express my gratitude for my father. He is honestly the greatest man I have ever known. And I am not just saying this because he is my dad. Sure it helps, but he has gained my respect by more than just his title of a father. He has gained my respect because of his character, his perspective on life, and his strength. He has his own way of showing emotion and affection, so when he does, it means a lot. It means a lot because it's authentic. It's sincere. He doesn't do it to impress those who are watching. He does it because it comes from the heart. He is humble. He is hard working. He is smart. He is hilarious. He's a good listener. He's not superficial. He's encouraging. He has taught me the importance of being a good person. He has taught me that hard work will take me far. He has taught me never to put myself above or below anyone because we are all equal. He has shown me what true love looks like. He has shown me what it means to be passionate and stand up for what I believe in. He has a selfless heart. He is one of my reasons to be happy.
I still remember when he dropped me off at Santa Clara last year. As it was time to say goodbye and reality checked in, I asked him not to leave me. I asked him to tell me it was okay to come home. And he did. He said I didn't have to do anything I did not want to do. He also told me he thought I would regret this decision so in the mean time, until I made a final decision he would drive me to school every day. I'm pretty lucky. I chose to use this memory because it sums up my dad well. He always wants the best for the people he cares about (and honestly even strangers). He knew staying at school would be difficult for me, so he would do what he could to make it easier for me because he knew that in the end this would be a good opportunity for me. He knew this would make me happy in the end. Being happy has always been something he has told me to be. Something he has always wanted for me. When I am quick to be pessimistic, he is quick to redirect me into looking at the bright side and to being happy. I like that he always pushes me to my fullest potential. I like that he believes I can do things on my own, but is always near in case I need the extra support and encouragement.
Sure sometimes, he can be stubborn like when it comes to fixing things or parking, and sometimes he gets angry, but at the end of the day, my dad is one of my reasons to smile. He is my rock and I admire him for everything he has gone through, for everything he has accomplished. Not simply for going through the things he has gone through, but for the attitude he continues to have about life even amongst it all. Just recently, he lost one of his uncles. Today, over lunch he opened up to me about it. And in the way he expressed himself, I was reminded all over again of the inspiration he is for me. I feel honored to be his daughter. And I am truly blessed!!
Love you dad. <3
