An open letter to my Step-dad...

I met you when I was ten, and quickly formed an opinion about the man I thought you were trying to be. I placed this idea in my own head of you trying to become a father figure in my life. That idea pushed me away from you. I already have a father. He loves me so much, and we get along so well. I had convinced myself that you just wanted to take my dad's place. For that, I am so sorry.

You didn't want to take my dad's role. You didn't want me to turn away from him, either. You just wanted to watch me grow up. You wanted the chance to hear me scream on roller coasters. You wanted to be able to watch me flip around the gym. You wanted the opportunity to see me all dolled up before homecoming and prom. In all those moments, I took you for granted. I neglected to see you as a father to me because I was so worried about you wanting to replace my real dad.

It has taken me a long time to realize the truth of the matter. Almost ten years after you've entered my life, I am beginning to see things as they really are. You've not replaced a single person in my life. Instead, you've added on. You have given me more than I could ever imagine. You've been the person to always make sure I had what I needed. For that, I am so grateful!

I look back now at all the memories we've made together. The buck that's mounted in our living room... we took him down together. The many pageants I entered... you stood at the back of the room making silly faces, so I would remember to smile as I walked across stage. The several times the lawnmower quit working on me... you went outside with your angry face and fixed it with one touch. When you walked me across the football field for homecoming court... you only complained a few times about having to wear a suit. The day we moved all my stuff into college... you even tried to help me organize my belongings in my room.

You see, I missed the significance of these things when they actually happened. I was too caught up with this one idea that I had formed when I was young. I always made sure to correct people when they called you my dad. "No, he's my step-dad" I would say. I made sure they knew you weren't my father. For what reason, I don't know. But now, I want to take that label from you. I don't want you to be my step-dad. You don't deserve to be called that. What you do deserve is the chance to be known as my dad. Sure, I already have one of those. But having two would be even better. After all, you've stepped up and been patient with me as I have slowly come to terms with everything.

I just wanted to say thank you for being so kind to me. Thank you for never letting me go without the materials I needed. Thank you for never pushing yourself on me. Thank you for making me laugh over the last 10 years. Forget the label. Step-what? You're so much more than that. Love ya, dad!