Thank you, Dad . . .
For the lessons you allowed me to learn on my own.
For letting me fall, so I could depend on myself to get up again.
For making me rake leaves, so I felt what it was to work hard.
For disciplining me, so I could grow.
For making me show up, even when I didn’t want to.
For encouraging me to leave the party early, when I wanted to stay late
For letting me make mistakes, so I could learn the right way.
For making me do hard things, to show me I have courage.
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For walking away, to show me I can do it myself.
For giving me a chance to fail, so I had the opportunity to succeed.
For pointing out the problem, so I could find the solution.
For not doing it for me, so I couldn’t give up.
For being strong, so I had someone to look up to.
For being there when I needed you most.
For wiping my tears when they rolled down my cheek.
For showing me that generosity is free.
For allowing my independence to flourish.
For showing me how to love.
For always putting family first.
For making me proud to be your daughter.
For teaching me that strength comes from inside.
For showing me what it means to put up a good fight.
For waiting for me to arrive before you drew your last breath.
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For listening when I look up to the sky and talk to you.
For guiding me, even when you can no longer guide me.
For being you, Dad, thank you.