Like Father, Like Daughter: A Letter to Dad on His Day
Dear Dad:
Thanks for having me.
I wanted to let you know that I remember and appreciate every single afternoon, evening and weekend you spent at my soccer games from the early/ugly years through high school. While the sidelines down there in the OC were always crowded with Soccer Moms and Desperate Housewives, I was the only kid lucky enough to have my very own Soccer Dad. Still am.
You've always been my #1 fan, and believed in me even when I wasn't playing sports or achieving success at anything in particular. It seems that your faith in me has never wavered, which is both a surprise and a blessing.
Even though you don't want to admit it, you and are I very similar (and I'm not just referring to our genetically blessed Thighs of Superhuman Strength). It is only now, as an adult, that I can truly acknowledge, verbalize and respect that realization.
Just ten or so years ago, I would not have written a letter like this, nor would I have had the courage to. It took me far too long, but I finally recognized and extinguished my misguided anger and frustration with our relationship. I was blind to your unconditional love. Now that my eyes are open, my heart is open to yours as well.
Love,
Jo
p.s. I still have the framed article that you gave me from the LA Times in the late 80's; the paragraph that mentions the only time I ever scored two goals in one game in high school. I may not have thanked you then, but your thoughtful little gifts like this have always meant the world to me.
Wow, you are going to make a grown man cry. You were always and always will be my alter ego. You did and still do some things that I wish I had done, and still would like to do.
- Your loving Father
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