My Dearest Papa,

It’s but once a year that they have a day for you, and yet, it’s hardly enough for what you do and what you have done for your family and me. You have taught me, personally, so much. My gratitude and love for you is immeasurable.

You taught me to work hard and enjoy family. You taught me the price of honesty and that it cannot be negotiated. You taught me about life through your own experiences… I am grateful.

When I was young, we would have milk together, in the mornings, while you read the paper. I would share my thoughts and the dream I just had, and the most lovely memory I have had was that you always listened. You asked me about my favourite cartoons and enjoyed my stories of wonderful fantasy… I am grateful.

When I grew up, you were stern when you needed to be, but mostly loving because you knew that would be the most important way to get through to me. Never once did I not feel your love, even when you were angry. For this, I am grateful.

And now, that I have grown, I remember the mornings we have had together and the many more mornings we will share. Although, the milk has been replaced with coffee, the most important thing has not, and that our relationship, our communication, and our talks, these remain the same…

I love you my dearest Papa, exactly like I told you when I was young… “I love you like the sun, big shiny and warm.”

With Sunshine Love,

Nicholas