Dad, you are the best father any little girl or a grown woman could ever ask for. You are the best part of my soul. I love you more than life itself. Growing up, I felt like our home was the safest place on the planet. I thought you were so strong that all the bad guys were afraid of you; therefore, I’d always be safe. I grew up wanting for nothing. One of my favorite memories is when you’d wake me up at the crack of dawn, rain or shine or even snow, to go to the terrace, read one of many science books that you frequently bought for me, and walk the length of the terrace back and forth, while reading so I wouldn’t fall back to sleep. I hated it. I’ve never been a morning person. Morning sleep is the sweetest. I remember you’d try to get rid of my frown with a new dad joke hot off the press, and I’d pretend it was funny while being pissed that I had to be quiet so mom and sis wouldn’t wake up!
What would make all my morning sleep sorrows melt away was the sound of the citrus juicer, knowing you’ll be walking back up the stairs soon with a big heaping glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice. You didn’t utter the words “I love you” much, but that glass of OJ, like so many other things you did for me, was how you communicated your love, and it was well-received. I always felt loved by you and still do. Thank you for the strength you gave me, the wisdom you taught me, the discipline you instilled in me, the laughs from all the dad jokes that I grew to love, and the unconditional love you’ve always bestowed upon me.
I love you.
Persia