Hero

You are my hero.
You have a quiet strength that I have always admired.
So steadfast, genuine, and real.

For as long as I can remember you have been there.
By my side,
holding my hand,
wiping my tears.

How can I possibly express
the love, respect, and gratitude that I feel
every time a thought of you comes to my mind?
The fact is that it is impossible.
It is impossible to find words to describe what you mean to me.

Through life’s challenges you have taught me to be confident,
to hold my head up high and to cherish the life God has given me.
Never once did I face a problem alone,
I always had your guidance and support.

I believe that I am the person who stands before you today… because of you.
You shaped me, taught me, and guided me.
You let me make mistakes and never hesitated to pick me up when I fell.
You have set an example which I strive to follow every day.
To work hard and to find happiness no matter how trying life seems to be.

Your strength through it all has shown me what it means to find the silver lining,
To never give up hope for a better day,
And that I will never have to go it alone… as long as I have you.

For these reasons, I am proud of the person I am today,
Because I have had a father like you.
And you will always be my hero.