This post is dedicated to my dad, who turned 50 yesterday. I am so completely grateful for him. We are more alike than I like to think, which means we are both incredibly stubborn. However, I honestly do have the utmost respect for him, though I'm not sure I've ever told him that. For someone who didn't grow up as privileged as I have, he made sure his kids never went without. He made sure that we all knew that he loved us. He still does, for that matter. I know without a doubt that if I ever needed anything, he's a phone call away. He's shown this over and over throughout the years. What I respect him the most for is that he has three children. Only I am biologically his, but that doesn't mean anything. If you were to ever ask him how many real children he has, the answer is three. It's always three. He looks at Wesley and Samantha no differently than he looks at me. He's proud of their accomplishments the same he is of mine. Too often I see my friends who have step-parents and are second behind the "bio" kids. I can honestly say that is not how it is with my dad. And that's something I'm grateful for. He's taught me through action that family is not nor will it ever be defined by blood. Many people can say it, but he shows it. And that's a lesson I'll always carry with me.
I love you a bushel and a peck, old man!
I love you a bushel and a peck, old man!