Before there was any other man in my life, my dad was there. He loved me before I knew what kind of woman/person I wanted to be and he stuck beside me as I struggled, failed and resumed my quest to become her.

He was my cheerleader when I needed one, my protector when I had to have one and my teacher when it came to all things great and small. He was a living example of love and commitment; he’s been with my mother nearly 50 years. He taught me I could embrace my individual style and personality without apology. He showed my race and gender didn’t limit me, even if they made my path more difficult. And, he didn’t allow me to use my chronic illness as an excuse to surrender to life.

He understood that I was/am a work in progress who needs and deserves support, friendship, forgiveness and sometimes a firm hand.

As I age so does my father. And, I’ve found that he now needs the very things he dedicated his life giving to me. I return these gifts with pleasure because I’m grateful for all that I am and all that he helped me to aspire to be, achieve and share.

Happy Birthday Dad!

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