An Open Letter to My Dad

Dear Dad,

Thank you.

Thank you for always role modeling that success will only come if you work your ass off it! For as long as I can remember, you have worked yourself to the bone to provide the best for you family. When you were crazy enough to have 3 children under 2 and a half, you sacrificed nights at home with your new family to travel for work. Fast-forward 20 years and you are still doing the same thing today! It never went un-noticed - we always appreciated it. We owe our success in life to you, for always showing us that hard work pays off.

Thank you for always making sure family came first. We were so blessed to have two parents that recognized how important it was to make time for each other and spend quality time as a family. From being brought up as river babies from the word go, to our insane four-wheel driving trip on Fraser Island (where we cheekily heard Mum swear for the first time!), our eyes have been opened to so many true beauties in life. Even simple things, such as our monopoly battles or our days trudging up and down the vineyard with you, I look back now and realize there is nothing more precious than the gift of family time.

Thank you for always loving Mum, even when you can’t stand her! You are true partners in life, and as children there is nothing more special than growing up watching two parents who are just as in love with each other after 25 years of marriage. You’ve taught your children how to love, put others first and support one another through thick and thin. Together, you make us feel undeniably cherished, safe and important.

Thank you for always being there, no matter what. As the years go on and life gets busier and busier, we know that at any time of the day or night, we can call you for anything. Whether it’s a typical car problem that only dad can solve, more money (haha!), or simply wanting some reassurance that we’re doing okay, you’re there. You’ve dealt with crying children on the other end of the phone too many times to count, you’ve always made time to travel to Adelaide to support our sport and you’ll always sit with us watching a movie when we make the trip home. Above all, your children are your first priority – thank you for always making us feel safe and supported.

I could continue on and thank you for so many more things. To me, no one else compares to you. I’m lucky enough to have a Dad who inspires me everyday, who has helped me through so many challenges in life and who is always standing next to me at the end of a bumpy road. We may not say it every day, but we are incredibly appreciative of every little thing you do for us.

‘Dad – a son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love’

I love you beyond words.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy!

xxxx