My father has never really bothered to be a part of my life.

Even when I was very young, he didn't make a great effort. There were countless dance recitals, cheerleading events, birthdays, and holidays that he didn't feel like being a part of because he "fell asleep" or "forgot" about them. Those were the famous excuses. I was just a little girl who didn't know any different so I believed him. Through the endless stream of tears every time he missed something important in my life, I still forgave him. He was my dad and I loved him, so I couldn't get myself to be mad at him no matter how hurt I was deep down inside.

My grandpa stepped in to take the place of my father when I was very young. It's because of him that I know just a little bit of what it's like to have a father figure in my life. If there was a textbook definition of what a "real man" is, he would be it. Maybe this sounds harsh, but my father is not a man. A "man" does not make his only child feel unwanted. A "man" gives unconditional love at all times of the day and night no matter how rough the road gets. A "man" does not give up on his daughter. But my father gave up on me.

My grandpa is more of a man than you will ever be, "dad."

Not only is he there for me 24/7 like my father should've been, but he will drop anything he is doing to go help a total stranger. My grandpa doesn't have to know someone to help them out, and I think that is what this world needs a little more of. He teaches me through his actions that it doesn't matter if I know someone or not, I should do everything I can to help them. My grandpa is the most selfless person I know.

He has respect for everyone. My grandpa is very spiritual and has very specific beliefs about religion and anything related to it. He is very opinionated and is not afraid to speak his mind and say what he feels, and that is something I admire about him. I don't agree with everything he believes in, but it goes the other way, too. He doesn't agree with everything I believe either. And that's OK. It is from him that I learned how to have a friendly discussion on a sensitive subject, rather than a heated argument. He has also taught me that it's OK to be wrong.

My grandpa reminds me that chivalry is still alive. He reminds me through the small things he does whether its holding doors open for women (and men), picking up the check when our family goes out to eat, sharing his umbrella, or letting us girls go first for something. His love for my grandma is unmatched. Even after 50+ years of marriage, he never fails to remind her that he loves her daily. My grandma will occasionally ask him to help her with a task and he doesn't hesitate to respond with "anything for my love." If that isn't adorable, I don't know what is. That's not to say that women shouldn't hold doors open for men or offer to pay for dinner once in awhile, but chivalry should become a steady practice in our generation again.

So, grandpa, thank you for all of your valuable life lessons and thank you for always being there when I have needed you the most. I will never stop needing you and I will never stop using the lessons I have learned from you. Thank you for everything you do for my mom and I. I love you, Papa.

Love,

Your Favorite Granddaughter