For My Father

I love you, Dad.

Nothing you’ve ever done or ever failed to do will change how I forever love you. Not only do I admire and respect you, but I love you.

You’re mine and I’m not ashamed of you but I acclaim you for the battles you fought and won, for every struggle that counts as a win because you stayed in the game, you kept breathing and kept wrestling and kept getting up again. You’ve never failed if you’ve let your feet find the floor again come morning. And I've never known you to stay in bed or give up.

Love is patient and kind — and simply, I choose to always love and be kind toward you. Because I've received grace and mercy undeserved, and that same grace and mercy is for you.

(I'm paraphrasing Ann Voskamp's words)