Years ago I wrote you a letter, full of anger and hurt for the relationship and experiences that I went through growing up.
Please forgive me for that letter that was written many years ago and replace it with this one.
Pops,
You are my hero.
Every little girl dreams up this fairy tail of a knight in shining armor, someone that will protect her and love her no matter what, who will rescue her when she's trapped and dying, and who comforts her when her heart is breaking. You have always been those things to me, didn't matter how many thousands of miles I was from home, you'd come rescue me when I felt like the whole world was crashing down around me. When my heart was breaking, you held my hand and watched the lightening storms with me because the sound drowns out my internal screams. When I was physically hurting and had no one to help me with Tryston, you took time out of your busy schedule to take care of Tryston for me so I could numb the pain and sleep for once. When I lost my last 2 babies, your hugs meant more to me than anything else in the world, I felt safe again, broken but safe. You make me smile and laugh, when no one else can.
You taught me to cook when I was little, I remember spending every chance I could in the kitchen with you. You taught me the value of others needs before my own, the year you took us girls to the store and spent all the money for our Christmas gift on another family who had just experienced a tragedy. You taught me that a person's past can make them or break them, just depends on their spirit and determination, by always being honest about your past but proving that through all your struggles you came out on top. You taught me what respect was, by the way you loved and respected my grandma. You taught me that no one is perfect, but to try to be the best ME that I can be. You taught me never to back down or run away from a fight, to face the bully/demon head on and charging. You taught me that with love comes forgiveness.
I'm proud that you are my dad, proud that you are my son's grandfather, proud that you are one of my closest friends.
I love you so much, happy 54th birthday.
