That’s my dad; that ray of sunshine, that sweet rainbow. He’s the clouds in the sky, and the breeze in the summer. That’s my dad, the one that keeps me afloat. My dad can’t hug me, anymore. He can’t tell me he loves me. However, no matter where I look or where I go, I see him. He was the force behind my softball bat, when I felt overwhelmed. The one who changed the meaning of the game for me, who taught to never fear. That’s my dad- forever my coach, forever my hero, and forever my best friend. That’s my dad, and as the story goes he forever lives on. Each chapter I write, each adventure I take, my father is there. My father is the force behind the wind that moves my heart.

That’s my dad, who loved with all his heart. He held so many in his heart, and never forgot. He loved those he meant, and changed the lives of those he touched. That’s my dad, the one they all loved. The one they looked up to, and trusted. That’s my dad, not like most, standing out from the crowd. The one who believed, the one who conquered. That’s my dad, the one who taught me to love and to live.

That’s my dad; the one who never gave up. Giving 110 percent no matter the task. That’s my dad, the teacher of all life lessons. The one who changed so many lives, yet asked for so little. He’s the man who put in extra, and never expected more. He’s the man who stood strong and tall, no matter the fire thrown his way. That’s my dad the one who worked for those he loved, and gave them his best. The one who forgave beyond limits. That’s my dad, almost invincible.

Almost. Almost just wasn’t enough. That’s my dad, the one we lost seven years back. That’s my dad, who fought hard but lost the fight. The one who changed the lives of so many, and so many felt the pain of his loss. That’s my dad, and I’m proud to say it. He may have lost the fight, but he fought the battle with a never breaking spirit. That’s my dad, and I’m forever proud. He changed my life, and he made his mark.

You see, that’s my dad. All I have is this picture to show, but in my heart holds his life. And if I could show you my heart, it still would not be enough. Because that’s my dad, and barely words could describe then immense love I have for him. I am proud to say that that’s my dad- who stood for what he believed and put his family above himself. Never selfish, and forever compassionate. That’s my dad, whose feet left this earth but whose heart always remains- right here, in the life of his daughters, wife, and family.

I was so young, I was so naive. Never believing that my best friend was gone. I held it in, I acted invincible. To this day, I still can’t quite grasp the reality of what is right in front of my face when I see that familiar smile on that cold grey stone when I go to visit what I have left. My heart is hardened to the fact, but is softened with the love he left behind. So many lives he touched, and so many lives he changed. No just a father, but a coach, a teacher, a role model, a mentor, a friend, a brother, a son, and a husband.

You see that’s my dad- who may have never changed the world, but he changed my life and he walked tall with the power to conquer all. I live my life for him, and forever he is strong in my heart. These words may not be enough and far from declare his great life, but I can only hope I make him proud.

That’s my dad.