I love you Dad

I’ve often wondered what it feels like to have nobody. There’s so many folks that are born with nothing. Nobody to turn to when the going gets tough, nobody to turn to when there is nothing. I was blessed. I grew up with a Dad and a Mom that would sacrifice anything to ensure my felicity. 

Sometimes they would sacrifice their own animation to ensure mine. At the time I was insensible. I was selfish. I have always wanted a storybook life. Who doesn’t?  
But, then I realized I have had a storybook life. I’ve been taught by the most competent grown ups that a man could know. 

You see, I headed out on my own when I was 18. I thought I knew the world. I thought I knew where I was going. My pop’s tried to tell me, my momma did the same. But, they both knew that I had to devise my own plan. 

I headed to a place called Parris Island. The drill instructor taught me everything he thought I was lacking. My Dad taught me all of that before I arrived! 
I knew that you should always work as hard as you possibly can. I knew that you should always treat everyone as you want to be treated. I always knew that hard work is the only elucidation. There are no handouts. 

My parents taught me sacrifice, they taught me allegiance. 
We’ve experienced pain. We’re experiencing pain now. But a family isn’t defined by what it goes through. A family is defined by who is standing when the ashes fall. I was taught to fight till the end, until your last breath is exhausted and you sword is buried. 

My sword hasn’t been unsheathed and my lungs are full! 

I love you Dad! You are my only hero!