When we come into this world you look at us in awe, not wanting to miss our first word (hoping dada comes out before mama), being as amazed as we are when we take our first steps and seeing the pride in your eyes on our first day of school. Holding our hand and knowing that hand will protect us for the rest of our lives. Letting us snuggle in the crook of your side on the couch where we can feel the warmth and safety of your love for us. How you make us nervous for the first boy we are bringing home, your approval means everything. We see you holding back the tears when you send us off to college and how you cannot hold back the loving smile while you give us away at the end of the alter. As we get older, we will cherish the memories we have made until we say goodbye for now. You will be gone but I know I can still reach for that hand, and you will be there for me no matter how far away you seem. You will always be my dad and you have taught me two of the most important things in the world to me. How I deserve to be treated and what kind of man I want to spend the rest of my life with.
