[Editor’s Note: Mr. Wdowski, a veteran of World War II, has been a patient of the editor’s wife, and resides with his daughter and son-in-law in Glendale.]
Dear Dad,
Happy 85th Birthday to you! I am writing this tribute to you so you and the world will know how I feel about you. I thank God for making you the man you are and for being my dad. I love you, Dad, so very much for so many reasons. When I was in one of my darkest places in my life as a teenager, you valued me with your unconditional love. No matter what I did or did not do, or what I looked like, you made me feel cherished, beautiful, and that I had potential that I was not aware of. Learning this from you, my dad, was very vital to my development as a young woman.
Together mom and you taught me important life lessons. In various ways, you faithfully demonstrated character qualities and showed me their importance and how to recognize them in others.
Love, Loyalty and Forgiveness: Loving each other, family and friends.
Service and Working Hard: The joy and privilege of helping others by doing a job to the best of one’s ability.
Sacrifice and Giving: Putting aside your own comforts and desires to benefit others.
Encouraging: Having an optimistic point of view and sharing it.
Joy of Learning: How to ask a question.
Enjoyment of Others: Making friends anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances, with anyone.
How to Throw a Party: Plenty of good food and refreshments, a welcoming, comfortable environment and good company.
You encouraged me that I could do anything I set my mind on learning how to do, as long as I did not give up trying. You modeled for me not to be jealous of others’ successes but instead to congratulate and celebrate with them, therefore sharing in their joy.
I am so thankful and happy that you have come to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and God. What joy I have knowing you believe and trust Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, and therefore have received the Free Gift of Eternal Life. That someday, with Jesus, we shall all be together with Mom and others we love, forever.
Thank you, Dad, for being you…my dad.
I love you so much.
I hope this little tribute will help remind you how deeply loved and appreciated you are.
All My Love, From
“My Daddy’s Daughter”
Ms. DeRosa may be commended at anthonyderosa@mac.com
