An open letter to my dad on Father’s Day

I can so easily say I was raised in a loving and protective environment. Sometimes too protective if you had asked a younger version of myself but I received everything I ever needed or wanted in my youth, not to say I was spoiled because believe me, there were always stipulations to obtaining my so called “necessities” required for my 21th century lifestyle. I had to earn them. I was taught hard work and to take pride in accomplishing things on my own rather than receiving handouts. In this sense I have become an identical copy of my father.

My father comes from a Latin background, and the stereotype of us “Latin folk” is very firey, spirited people. What is commonly overlooked is the emotional side. We are known to be stubborn and growing up a lot of struggles my father and I faced was based in simply possessing differing opinions. Neither of us wanted to be the one to back down. We stood our ground. The countless “you should be a lawyer one day” jokes were endless throughout my childhood, and years later who knew that would be the path I am now choosing to take.

My father did an impeccable job of cultivating this strength and stubbornness into drive, success, and power. I pride myself in being independent, and in the refusal of accepting anything less than what I see as what I value, even though I would love to take the recognition for this, I must give credit where credit is due. I do not believe people are born like that. We are shaped by our experiences, our influences and my father has always been a model of one who knows his self-worth. The influential dynamics that make up my father are boundless.

My dad, because we are so similar in personality, has been successful throughout my life in explaining how to cope with situations I have placed myself in, giving input on feelings and how to maneuver them. Although he and I are a tough bunch there is a powerful mannerism that he has also passed on to me that is equally as formidable and vital to a well-rounded person, the soft side. He and I can be emotional. Some might view this as a weakness, he has taught me to look at it as a blessing. We feel everything so deeply. This has its challenges, but it makes us so special.

He has a special kind of heart; The type of heart with the best intentions. Everything he does in life is for what he believes will benefit everyone else. He taught me to love everyone just a little bit extra, try new things just a little more often, speak your mind just a little louder, and to forgive just a little more graciously. Sometimes this has provided some backlash in my life. He and I are both fiercely loyal. No heart is identical, this is true, but hearts like ours are no longer common in this generation either. Everyone is looking out for numero uno. At times I have kicked and screamed, being so hurt, swearing I would stop being this way, so trusting. But at as I age I realize more and more, being like everyone else, and feeling things like everyone else, it is not how I was built. I am not supposed to be another way, and I will not raise my children any different than my parents raised my brother and I. That is what makes me special.

Care about everyone and have everyone’s back more than you normally would. I believe that the good karma will eventually come your way because of it. On this subject of generations and the changes within them, this is where mine and my father’s paths diverge. Although most of my morals derived from him there are certain views we disagree on. I have gained the knowledge of mutual agreement to disagree and to stick up for my side no matter who it is that is disagreeing with me. We share a frame of mind about the world, and how to handle the people in it and the situations we are placed in. We are alike in our guidelines of how to treat others, how to conduct ourselves, how to live our lives. He made me who I am.

So I want to say, thank you dad. Thank you for the lessons, the guidance, the trust, the unconditional love, the support, the genetics (they are pretty great), most of all, dad, thank you for the courage. What other dad would trick you into going skydiving, show you the world in the matter of just nineteen short years, support you in leaving home for college all while fitting the bill.

You have made me comfortable in my own skin. You are the reason I was able to leave and live on my own without reservation or fear, which contrary to popular belief is a difficult thing to do as any college student. I am fearless, all because I know if I fail you are there to break my fall. Your adventures around the world, including your extensive sailing excursions before I was even a thought inspire me to experience life, culture, places.

Spread your wings and fly: I continue to do so with your support.

I know what you are thinking, I know I got to let her go but I’ll always remember…

Love, your little girl