A Letter to my Pops

Dad,

To say I love and appreciate you doesn’t feel sufficient. I feel the need to highlight how incredible you are.

Thank you for being the very definition of my rock, always. You are always there for me to guide me and give me great advice. You remain level headed, making sure you understand the problem at hand so you can consider possible solutions and explain what the best one would be. When I was told in that appointment that I have cancer, while I was freaking out you were listening carefully, catching all of the hopeful pieces of information to make sure we could cling onto that. You are seriously my rock.

I have always admired the way that you rose above the circumstances you were raised among and became the man that you are. And then, went on to raise incredible children as well. It’s so much easier to fall into the same patterns we were brought up around, and far more difficult to break the cycle and seek out more for yourself. I always brag about you and am very proud of who my father is. I am certain that I actually have the best father out there. You worked so hard to raise us as responsible, hard working individuals and you instilled great morals in us.

I remember one time I damaged my car as a teenager, and at that time in my life I wasn’t giving you the respect and appreciation you deserved. You told me that I could handle the car situation on my own. It was at that moment that I truly realized what I should have all along – I would be lost without you. I had taken for granted how comforting it is to be able to call my dad with an issue and know that he would help me clean it up. I am lucky to have that source of comfort; I know not everybody does. I am blessed to know that I have a father who would never let me fall.

So much of the person I have become is attributed to you. My leadership style at work echoes everything you have instilled in me. The way I approach and solve problems, my sense of humor, the way I show my love to others, that all comes from you. And the way I always put others before me, comes from you (and mom). You are so considerate, respectful, intelligent, and loving. I would like to think I have become those things as well, thanks to the role model I have had all along.

You are a great father, brother, and uncle. I can’t wait to see you become a grandfather. Those grandbabies will have the best grandfather there is! I am so grateful for you and the relationship we have. I cherish spending time with my parents which not everyone can say. You have been one of my biggest sources of support throughout this wild and challenging year. You take care of me, you send me messages of love and support that really keep me going, and you help me solve problems and face challenges. You are the most incredible man I know, and I love you.

♡ Your Daughter,

Hailey

Below are some of my favorite pictures of you ☺

Coming Up on Kiss My Astrocytoma

Making Tough Medical Decisions

Supporting Loved Ones with Cancer

A Message from my Dad