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A Letter To the Dad Who Went Unappreciated

I haven't 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 your struggle.

Kyla Leary

Jan 18, 2017

Castleton University

179

A Letter To the Dad Who Went Unappreciated

Pixabay

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

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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A Letter To the Dad Who Went Unappreciated

I haven't 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 your struggle.

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The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

Syllabus week doesn't exist.

You can forget to breathe OR to buy fruit OR to even pet a dog but you cannot forget these things!!

All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

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