For all the times I never said, “I Love You, Dad”
So often it may seem as if I have taken you for granted, that I never noticed all that you did for me or the sacrifices you made for my benefit.
But I did notice. I may not have said anything at the time, and I am sure that many times I really didn’t appreciate you. But now that I have grown up, I realize that everything you did was because you loved me and wanted the best for me.
I can see now that doing so much for me meant giving up a lot for yourself. As I look around, I see many parents who take care of themselves first and their children second. In the eyes of those children, I can see a hurt that I never knew. You have given me more than I ever deserved.
At a time when so many people are blaming their parents for what is wrong with them, I want to thank you for all that is good in me. You instilled it in me with each hug, scolding, understanding word, punishment, and “I love you.” I just wanted to tell you that I am forever grateful, and I love you very much.