Dear Dad: ‘I enjoy every day and memory I get to create with you’

In honour of Father’s Day this week, we’re celebrating the main men in our lives here at IMAGE HQ. Every day this week, we’ll be sharing a letter penned to our fathers; sharing memories, love and just thanking them for being them. This is a Letter to My Dad.

To the man who can,

Dad, this is a letter to let you know just how much you mean to me.

You are the man who can both mortify me to no end and also make me beam with love and pride. You have not had an easy ride and yet your smile never fades. You are a soldier – you are my soldier.

Most little girls who grow into ladies look at their dad as their hero, their protector. To me, this could not be more true. You may not be able to run up mountains anymore or fight off warriors but you are now, more than ever, my hero.

I can see you struggle at times, only to look around at me with your honest eyes which shows your battle which you mask with some light joke. I love how light-heartedly you live your life. I love how much you love to laugh – you find yourself endlessly entertaining and like to share every small anecdote with us and every waiter/waitress we meet, regardless of whether they speak English or not! I love hearing cackles of laughter coming from the sitting room, knowing Mrs Brown’s Boys or Only Fools and Horses have you bent over.

I love how into history you are and how you persevere with your nuggets of knowledge, regardless of the eye rolls you receive when telling them. I love how you see the world – you see the good in everyone, with little skepticism, which has both worked in your favour and against. I equally love and hate how you are not at all materialistic and don’t care what you wear – socks and sandals is one of your best clangers.

I love how easy you are to please – you’d be just as happy with a five course tasting experience as you would a takeaway on the couch, as long as Mark and I are with you. I love how much you love us. Most of all, I love you.

You have taught me generosity, humour, dedication and, above all, strength. I thank you for making me the strong female I am today and for being such an inspiration. I enjoy every day and memory I get to create with you.

Love you Dad,

Rachael