A father

There is a man in my life that I have known since I was 14 years old.  I did not like him when I first met him because he stole my mom from me.

But then… I kept catching him loving my mom in ways that I never saw a man love her before.

And then… I watched him love my little sister in a way that I never knew a dad could love a daughter.

Years went by, and my dislike of this man did not allow me to let him into my heart.  He spent endless hours with me, pouring over my dreaded math homework.  He didn’t give up until I understood it.

I still wouldn’t allow myself to love him.

Until… I had children of my own.

I could not help seeing, and even feeling, the love he showed my children.

Over the past thirty years, this man has had a strong, positive influence on me and my children.  He taught us how to see things from a different perspective.  He taught us to value ourselves, our gifts, our passions, and our family.

My oldest son told me that the way Grandpa loves Grandma is the image of true love.  My son said he hopes he can live that love out the same way when he meets his future wife.

We, this man and I, have become a father and a daughter.

He has loved me more than I ever knew a man could love a daughter.

This man did not steal my mom from me.  He was just loving her in a way that I could not comprehend because I never saw a man love her that way.

Unconditionally.

This man has added value to my mom, to me, and to my children.

This man is my father.  I chose him, and allowed him to love me as his daughter.

Finally.