Righty-tighty. Lefty-loosey.

Dear Dad,

Just wanted to drop you line and say Happy Father’s Day. I know we don’t often talk about our relationship or our feelings. Not often, not ever really. I guess that’s just the way it is between father and son. But, some things I think need to be said.

You taught me a lot of things over the years and I want you to know I’m grateful. You taught me the satisfaction of helping others without expecting anything in return. You taught me that stregnth lies not in doing what you can but in persevering even when you think you can’t. You taught me the importance of truth, liberty and justice.

Some things you taught by example, some by instruction, and some by accident. You taught me to work on cars by example and instruction. You taught me to cuss by accident while watching you work on cars.

I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye on everything, and I know that’s okay. I know you may have had a different path or destiny in mind for me than the one I chose. I know that some of the most difficult moments in your life were those when you had to stand down and let me make my own mistakes. But, I want you to know that I’m doing okay. Life is not easy, but you never promised it would be. I’ve made my mistakes, as we all have, and hopefully I have learned to be a better man because of them.

Most of all, Dad, you taught me a love of God and family and friends that will sustain me and nourish me for the rest of my life. I have a good and loving wife; I have a large and extended family; and I have many good friends. You taught me to love and cherish the important things in life and these are the things I hold most dear.

I know you sometimes wonder if you could’ve done more or should’ve done differently, but as for me, Dad, you did good.

With love and affection,

Tim