Public Displays of Affection on Father's Day
Part One.
12 years ago at a very inconvenient time in my life, I happened to fall in love with this guy. He was 22; still growing and changing and finding his way. Despite our best efforts otherwise and against some steep odds, we ended up in a blissful relationship together that we continue today.
He became a father figure long before he planned on and figured out that being a friend was better than being a "dad". So when he became an official dad again about 6 years ago, he already knew how to be one of the best dads out there.
There's not a lot of men that could be with their family 24/7 and still maintain a cool head, a full heart, and limitless support whatever the challenges.
Shay, thank you for your patience, your support, and your endless love for our fam. There's no one in the world I would rather be travelling with on this crazy ride.
Part 2.
Dad, this is the first father's day we've spent together in a few years. I wish it was under different circumstances but I'm sure glad to be here with you.
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on our relationship over the last few days and on the sheer enormity of the legacy you've created in your lifetime. To say that your shoes would be hard to fill is an understatement. I don't think it would be possible to measure up to you in the respect you've earned in your community, and the selfless time you've devoted to others.
I know I'm not the model daughter, and I know that there are many steps I've taken that are different from those you might have chosen for me. But I also know that through our differences, we have become more than a father and daughter: we have become friends. And I don't express enough how much that friendship means to me.
I'm here with you now. And I'll always be here for you, just as you've always been there for me.
I love you.