"Simply the Best"

Dear Dad,

I wish I was there to celebrate this day with you. Something I have been thinking
about lately is how much I admire and love you. There was recently a big research
article stating that kids learn persistence and perseverance largely through the
examples of their fathers. I don't really know how good the design of the study was,
but I do know one thing--you did teach me this principle and still do everyday.

I remember being a little girl and being so proud of you. You were the best police
officer, always so sharp looking and dependable. You would give mom a kiss every
day before you pulled out of the drive-way and when you came home, you would
always come into the kitchen and greet Mom with a kiss and us too. I remember
those little kitchen dances, jingling your keys, which were always code that you had
a special treat for Mike, Jenny and I. Mom would get flowers, and you would have
something else special for us. I remember being so little and yet knowing that
everyone loved you because you were so kind. They would get a big smile on their
face whenever your name was mentioned. Nobody ever felt left out or lonely in a
room when you were present, Dad. You greeted and loved all of us. I was always so
proud to be your daughter.

As I grew up and became a teenager, when some teens began drifting away from
their fathers, I grew closer and loved you even more. I remember thinking, "How
does Dad do it? How does he wake up at 4am and work so hard after going to bed so
late?" You would take care of the yard, help the neighbors, wash the cars, stay up
late doing church work, hang-up Grandma's Christmas lights, visit Jack Waffington
at his rest home, and yet you were still always there with us, making us feel special. I
never once doubted what was most important to you.

Now that I am older, I look back at all these memories and am filled with such
happiness and a deep gratitude to have been blessed with such a special father.
There is nobody like you. I am so proud of you Dad. You have blessed us all with so
much. You are a friend to everyone. You are a leader, and an example of
perseverance, hope and love. I can't wait to get to heaven and thank Grandma
Ciancanelli for raising such an outstanding man, father and husband.

I love you so much. Thank you for all you are to me, personally. You are an anchor
and a daily reminder to never give up, reach out to others, and stand tall with
courage. I am everything I am, and hope to be because you and Mom have loved me,
and have lived the principles you have diligently taught us. I hope on this day, your
heart soars with this very love, and the knowledge that you are a special father, and
example. You are what every child and adult needs and hopes to have. You are
simply the best!

Happy Father's Day, Dad I love you!
~Chrissy

---