Father’s Day was never something I looked forward to. Growing up, I lacked a constant male figure and was always confused why my grandfather or my uncles were the ones going with me to father-daughter events at my school. This holiday always reminded me of my unfortunate luck in the dad department, but as I got older, I realized that my mom and I were better off without him.

First, I’d like to thank my biological dad for one thing and one thing only. Thank you for leaving us. It helped lead my mom and me to a better man capable of loving my mom endlessly and helping take care of me, a child that he had no obligation to.

Second, I would like to give an immeasurable thank you from the bottom of my heart to my mom who played both parenting roles in my life for 16 years. Thank you for doing everything and anything you could to make sure I lived a comfortable life. From working multiple jobs so that you were able to support me, to being my number one fan at anything I wanted to try, such as playing the violin or piano, even if I didn’t end up sticking to them.

Thank you for paying for all the awkward outfits I wanted as a child. Driving me to all of my soccer practices, games and tournaments before I had my license. Tolerating my mood swings and attitude to no extent. Teaching me how to be independent. Sacrificing numerous things so that I could attend college. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and always making sure I didn’t feel unloved just because my dad wasn’t present in my life.

But most of all, thank you for teaching and showing me faithfulness. I know that no matter how far apart we get from each other that I can always count on you to be there for me. Thank you for always reassuring me of my worth and never abandoning me.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to give a massive thank you to my step dad for coming in and bringing happiness into our lives almost eight years ago. Thank you for taking me under your wing, even if I was difficult at first and barely gave you a chance. Having patience with not only me but also my mom. Supporting every decision I make. Celebrating my milestones. Teaching me to be a better person. Becoming the best father figure my real dad never could. And most importantly, thank you for showing me that a man is capable of being a kind father.

With that, I would like to one more time extend my deepest appreciation to my mom for filling in both roles for 16 years and to my step dad for finally giving me a constant male figure in my life and making our family whole.

I love both of you immensely. Happy Father’s Day.