There aren't enough words to express the love that I feel for my father. He's my hero.
I will never forget the story... Of when our family first immigrated to the US. I was just 5-years-old; one of 4 kids living in a little apartment in Philadelphia. Neither he nor my mom knew a word of English, but they were determined to make it in America. Dad landed a factory job and was so excited. Although, the first day of work didn't go too well. His instructions were to take the train across town (would have been great if he could read the signs). But everything was foreign-nothing made sense. And he was lost for hours. Fortunately, with help from strangers, he finally made it to work and his way back home. From then, he taught himself English, has gone on to open businesses, and work for himself.
"Nothing comes easy," he would say. "You have to work for what you want in life." It's that belief and strong work ethic that remains with me today.
Last year everything changed. Our dad was diagnosed with Dementia and can no longer work. Some may consider it as an early retirement. Not our dad. It's like telling an artist they can no longer paint, or an athlete they can no longer play. It's been difficult on all of us, but especially challenging for him.
This Father's Day, I want say, "thank you Dad." We love, appreciate, and admire you so much.
Love Always,
Your Daughter
