Growing up, getting a job, buying your first home, and having children—all of these things come with their own set of responsibilities. You don’t really notice it when you see your parents going about their lives. You tell yourself that it’s just part of life, after all. Now that I’m in the game, I realize just how much my father has done for his family.
When I was younger, I'd see you come home from work very late, and by the time I woke up, you were already gone. I used to tell myself that was just part of the game, Dad works to make money. Today I realize that juggling two jobs in a single day—totaling well over 40 hours a week—well, no, that shouldn't be part of the game. All the sacrifices you had to make for us, Dad, because you wanted to give your children the best... Maybe you thought it was just normal, and that’s what a father is supposed to do. Well, I’m telling you this: Dad, I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Because it goes far beyond the game what you've done for us.
Now more than ever, I realize what you did for us. Even after your busy week, you were always up for family activities, like skiing or camping. You could have taken the opportunity to rest, but you were determined to help us discover life and share your passions and knowledge with us. Like the museum visits, where you taught us Canadian history with such enthusiasm. You wanted to share a little of our country’s history with us. Or all the family trips you took us on so we could explore Canada together.
As I’ve gotten older, you’ve become my advisor, my trusted guide—someone I can confide in when I have questions. You’ve always been there when I needed guidance on buying a home, a new car, or financial advice. You were also there when I called you in a panic during my first water damage incident.
Dad, you’ve passed on (and continue to pass on!) so many wonderful values and so much knowledge to me. I’ll never know how to thank you enough for all this wisdom you’re leaving me. This wisdom that you’re also passing on to your grandchildren. Not only are you an extraordinary father, but you’re also a wonderful grandpa.
I'm so proud to be your daughter.
Anonymous