Did I Ever Thank You?

I often find myself wondering, did I give you your due; for all that you’ve done for me, for all that you continue to do. Did I ever just take the time to say thank you?As a child you walked ahead of me to lead by example, you were my guiding light through life, my best friend and my partner in crime. Through my teenage years you had to step back and you walked behind, letting me carve my own path no matter how poor a choice I was about to make. But you had my back through it all and were there if I should ever fall, picking up the pieces as you came.Throughout those years you may have thought I didn’t see, or that I hadn’t heard, the lessons that you taught me, but I got every word.You have always been a trusted friend, teaching me right from wrong and the courage to always try. There with advice, praise and never ending love, forever helping me to accept my defeats and celebrate my every success.The laughter and smiles we have shared are memories that are dear to me. But perhaps it may have seemed I had missed it all, and that we had grown apart, but I picked up on everything and I still have it written in my heart.Life’s journey is far from over, and now that I am grown you walk beside me, guiding me as we go, my father, my friend.Did I ever thank you for simply being you? If I had forgotten, I’m saying it now, I hope you know how much you’re loved and appreciated, and I hope instinctively you knew it all along.

Happy Birthday.