Dear Dad,

Thank you for giving me half of my genes.  They seem to have come with a musical ear, an artistic eye, an ability to find humor in almost any and all situations, and of course, intelligence.

Thank you for taking me to Indian Princesses.  I know for you it mostly consisted of drinking beer and playing cards with the other dads, but it still made me feel special that you even agreed to be in it with me.

Thank you for the thoughtful gifts you sometimes gave to me--the fossil of the fish you brought back from one of your business trips, the little orange transistor radio, the set of real artist’s markers from the art supply store.  They let me know that even though you didn’t see me every day, you did see me.

Thank you for thinking that I am smart, and talented.  You have no idea how far even a small compliment from you goes.

I know things were not perfect, that you had your own demons to battle which made it difficult to be the kind of father you might have wanted to be.  But, I want you to know I don’t hold it against you.  I am simply grateful to have the relationship we have now.  It seems we are closer now that I am a grown up woman with a family of my own.  I am so glad we both make the time and the effort it takes to create that.

There are no trite cliche remarks Hallmark has come up with to put in a card for you.  Nothing says, “I’m so glad we opted for, ‘Better late than never,” rather than, ‘Too little, too late.”

So for Father’s Day I just want to say I love you forever.  And regardless.  You know the rest.

Susan