Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: fathers (06/06/05)
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TITLE: WALKING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maria Catterick
06/10/05 -
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I am a proud daughter. I have never had a moment of disappointment in you.
My fondest memories are of us laughing and sharing jokes and special times together. I still remember how confident I felt when you lifted me up in your strong arms and placed me on your shoulders when my little legs got tired. You were always showing concern when I was ill and wouldn’t leave it to other people to try and cheer me up and make me feel better. You were patient and kind and answered every one of the silly childish questions I asked. You did not try to tell me the kind of person you wanted me to be, but instead, showed me the kind of person I should endeavour to become.
As the years have gone by I have shown a commitment to learning and developing new skills just like you did. I have worked hard every day of my life and my resume has a strong work ethic oozing from every page. I have never struggled to get any job I have ever gone after. You taught me my work ethic. You were always a loyal trusty friend to those around you. I take in foster children and try to give them love and a sense of identity and I do some of the things with them that you did with me. When you were young you travelled and saw many lands and cultures and learned to embrace difference and diversity. I too have travelled and have seen some of those places that you talked about in childhood stories. It was you who gave me broad horizons and a world view.
Dad, I just wanted to thank you for all the efforts you put into being a Father. You made me a priority in your life and made me feel as though I was your pride and joy. Nothing was too much effort. I was the centre of your world and my security was found in you.
I have had a happy life and have turned out well. I just thought I should tell you. People say I am like you, but I can’t be sure. When you died when I was 7 years old I thought that the bottom had dropped out of my world. I was your shadow, what do you do when the sun has gone away? It’s almost 30 years later and I still miss you. I have proud memories of you and they are not built on fantasy but me clinging tightly to each precious memory of the few years we had together. Some people have a lifetime of being a Father and have little impact on their children. You and I only had seven years together, but what precious years they were. You invested yourself in me and I am a better person because of you. I hope other Fathers learn that time is very precious and should not be wasted.
Thank you for being my Dad. I wouldn’t trade what we had together. We used to walk along the beach and I would run behind you and try to step in each of the prints you left on the sand. Your feet were so much bigger than mine in those days and I had to leap each step as your stride was so big. I am still endeavouring to walk in your footsteps but even though I am bigger they are still big footsteps to follow. Thank you for leaving me footprints so that I don’t have to try and navigate my own life without your guidance.
Love from your proud daughter.
Maria
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