Dear Dad,

I’m sure you will read this even though you don’t have Facebook or any other social media because “you’re too old for that stuff.” But I thought that despite your obvious inability to “like” this article, it may be nice for me to wish you a happy Father’s Day. I did write an article for mom this past Mother’s Day, so it is only fair that I write one for you, too. It’s been awhile since I spent a Father’s Day with you, and yet again I’m not with you this Father’s Day. However, I can still write to you and tell you thank you. So here goes nothing...

Thank for all the things you did when I was little. Every time you took me sledding or wrestled against both me and my brothers, every piggy back ride you gave when I was tired during our hikes, every movie you took me to were incredible. Thank you for always making me popcorn and hot cocoa, even if you had already made it every day that week. Thank you for still making me popcorn and hot cocoa even when I was a senior high school and fully capable of making it myself. I’m glad you took the time to do all these little things, while I was growing up because they made my childhood good.

Thank you for teaching me how to drive. Through every rough stop and fights we had along the way, I’m glad you took all the time I needed to learn. I realize it probably wasn’t easy or fun to do after a day of work, especially since I usually agreed to practice, kicking and screaming. However, learning to drive was always important to me and you somehow managed to put up with my reluctance and the boredom of circling a parking lot for hours on end. Thank you.

Thank you for taking an interest in whatever I am interested in. From politics to skiing to theater to the environment to European history, you’ve always tried to show some enthusiasm into whatever topic I delved into. Not only did you show your interest and supported me in all my endeavors, but I could always tell that you were proud of me even if all I accomplished was one good test score in a subject I loved. Honestly, you didn’t have to actually be so proud all the time, but I’m happy you were. I’m, also, proud to call you my dad, as long as you’re not wearing your biking clothes.

So Dad, happy belated Father’s Day! I hope someone convinced my brothers to do something nice for you, you deserve it. You’ve done so much for all three of us throughout these many years. A day every year to celebrate you and every other father is probably not enough to cover all the many things you’ve done over the years. Unfortunately, you’ll have to settle for it and your birthday.

Love,

Your Daughter