To you, Dad.

Dear Dad, 

I know you’re not as mushy and sentimental as mom, but it’s important to show people your appreciation for them. In my psychology class I learned about childhood development, and when it comes to raising a child it seems that any wrong move could result in unresolved psychological trauma. Considering my relatively stable state, I think that’s evidence that you’re a pretty good father. But, that’s not the only title you have to me. You are one of my best friends. I hope you know that I can’t just give you the spot as my number one best friend because that’s kind of lame, but you were definitely a top contender. Here’s why:

We share the same sense of humor. We rarely censor ourselves and are constantly pushing how far we can take the jokes we are constantly making. Because of this you filled my life with laughter and taught me that we have to be able to make fun of things. This approach of not taking anything too seriously has given you clarity and allows you to exude positive energy that attracts many friendships. I hope one day that I can encompass these traits as well. 

Throughout my whole life, you have let me live how I want. I don’t know how I won the parent lottery on this one but having virtually no rules let me be the person I am today. I was able to cut and dye my hair, wear makeup and get piercings in whichever way I wanted. This simple favour let me build confidence as a teenager going through high school. In fact, I remember being so excited after discovering that it was possible to change your hair color at the age of five and begging Mom to dye my hair, which she did. This is still true today. Another privilege I had throughout my life was being able to go wherever I wanted. After checking to make sure that I would be safe, you would always let me go. Because of this, I never lied to you about where I was, something I think most kids do with their parents. As I got older you allowed me to fly to Miami and Mexico and take a road trip to South Carolina with my friends, even if it meant leaving the same day. I remember asking you why you were so relaxed about everything I did and you responded with, “As a child we taught you how to be safe. Now we get to guide you as you make your own decisions.” Inspiring. You let me experience the world, so I don’t feel trapped. 

On another note, you love Mom so much and I see that everyday. You are able to goof around with each other and never argue which taught me how to communicate appropriately. This was the example of a healthy relationship that I needed to see as a child as both of my grandparents were in unhappy marriages. You both respect each other and are constantly doing things for each other and I find that adorable.

So thank you for your unconventional way of parenting. It made me who I am today, which is someone I hope you are proud of. 

Love,

Your Favorite

PS: Heres are examples of the things my dad does: 

• For reference, this is my high school senior project, the one where you had to carry around babies…and I left my baby on the table for three days so he did this: https://www.facebook.com/joesuff.pellecchia/videos/10219644689696553/ and yes, he purposely spells his name wrong on everything.
• He edited that photo himself and has 3 of those suits which he wears casually. Yes the hair, he said he wanted hair like mine one day so he grew it out and now gets it balyaged from my hair stylist.