You didn’t have show me how to play baseball. You didn’t have to show me how to work a protractor that first day we met. You didn’t have to help my Mom with us. But you did.
Someone knew that we should probably meet you before things got tough. You stepped in. You stepped up. But you didn’t have to.
You didn’t have to help our Mom through what I can only imagine was the toughest time she’ll ever remember. But you stayed. You didn’t have to promise to love not only her but the two little girls who she’d never abandon. They came as a package and you promised to love and cherish them all.
You didn’t have to raise me to work hard. You didn’t have to teach me to be polite. You didn’t have to help buy me a car. You didn’t have to throw me birthday parties, take us on vacations and be at every major milestone that I can ever remember. You didn’t have to make my childhood as normal (and awesome) as I remember it. But you did (and it was.)
You didn’t have to pay for my Catholic school. You didn’t have to give us a house with a pool. You didn’t have to help my Mom parent a stubborn teenager. You didn’t have to help me with college. But you did.
You didn’t have to let your family become my family. I didn’t have to call you Dad. But I did because that’s who you are. Biological or not. A Dad is that person who raises you and loves you to the ends of the Earth. They would lay down their life for their child and they do it because they love their children. We are your girls. And you are our Dad. And we make a family.
My Dad walked me down the isle. My Dad came to the hospital four times to meet his grandchildren. My Dad comes to play with his grandchildren. He adores those children to the ends of the Earth. And they do the same.
My Dad raised me into the person I am today. If it wasn’t for you, my life would not be the same. You didn’t have stick around. But I’m so glad you did.
Love you Dad.
This post is dedicated to all the parents raising kids. You make their memories and they will remember.