Dad,
You have been with me 24 years and although we live miles apart, it is meant to be this way. We share life through virtual kisses, nonsensical cat videos, extensive whatsapp chats, and weekly FaceTime dates. I do not see you everyday and yet you probably know more about my life than most.
I know it’s because you care.
When my first photograph got exhibited you put it all over Facebook. I laughed!
When I switched my major to photography and started sending you photos, you printed them out and created a mini wall gallery. You told me one day they will be worth millions. I am still so honored!
When I decided to travel for a non-definitive time you told me to leave, go, enjoy. You would send me encouraging text messages at 1 am so I would make it through my double shifts while I saved. I flew!
When I visited you in Colombia last month, I glanced at your IPad only to find my photograph of my homemade brownies as your lockscreen. My heart felt so warm!
As you opened your laptop to start work, from the corner of my eye, I saw my aerial photograph of the beach in Sintra, Portugal. I was so happy!
While you were in the bathroom, your phone rang and then stopped ringing, I looked over and behind the missed call I saw my photograph of a little quaint place in Marseilles, France. Oh how I smiled so big!
And when I wanted to quit my job and start my own brand, you said: “Go for it.”Oh how afraid and happy I felt.
You are not perfect. I am not perfect. We definitely have our disagreements, yet we love each other.
Everyday you tell me to fly. Since I was 10 and you know, able to comprehend serious matters, you told me to be a bird.
A beautiful bird with the freedom to choose my path and my life. My wings are and will continue to spread with all the shenanigans that comes along.
Dad you are my favorite guy!
Happy Father’s Day
~M