My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me.
~Jim Valvano

Dear Dad,

I know you sacrificed a lot for me. It hasn't been easy for us - I know that, too. I also have never been the best at telling you how thankful I am or at showing you how much I appreciate you, but I wanted you to know that I have seen that you struggle. I have watched not go on vacations you wanted to go on because I had nowhere to go. I have watched you work hard so you could pay for all the things I needed or wanted. I have watched you save your wants so that I could get mine. There are so many events and vacations you missed out on so that I could go to my own events and vacations. The worst thing about it was that I never said "Thank you" or "I love you".

All of these things happened, and I never did anything to help you in return. This is my letter to you to say not only how sorry I am for not saying anything. This is my letter to say how thankful I am to you.

Without you, I never would have been able to compete in the many different sports I competed in. I wouldn't have been able to be where I am today at Castleton University. Without you, I would never have been able to grow into the person I am today. I wish I could do half the things you did for me. I wish I could return everything that you gave me in some way. Though we had our fights, our battles, and our arguments, I'm happy that it was you that I was disagreeing with. You and I always challenged each other and I am the better for it. Through rough waters, we have been able to work with each other and as the quote says, you gave me the greatest gift. You believed in me.

Now that I am in college, and I have started to become more independent, I can look back on my life with a different view and see just how much your sacrifices have helped shape me into the person I am today. I can't begin to thank you for everything that you have done. I can only hope that you and I continue to grow closer. Thank you for being one of the greatest supports in my life. I would have never achieved half of what I have without you.

Thank you for everything.

Love,

Dad