The Father I Never Had

by Zeke Jones
(Seattle, WA)

I grew up without knowing my father. By all accounts he was a good person, but had made bad choices along the way. While I didn't have that fatherly influence over my shoulder, his shadow always loomed over me and helped me stay away from bad decisions, so that I didn't end up like him. This letter is Gabe - the father I never had.

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Dear Gabe,

When I met you at Tae Kwon Do class as a kid I had no way of knowing how much you would change my life.

Mostly, you taught me how to be a man...and although you taught me how to shave, talk to girls, and lift weights that is not what I mean.

You taught me how to have respect for myself. You taught me how to earn the respect of others and you taught me how to be a better person with each day of my life.

I know life has been hard on you lately; and I've grown up and moved away and am bad about staying in touch. However, everyday your influence continues to shape my life and makes me a better person. Thank you for that.

I love you Gabe, as the father I never had.

Love,
Zeke