To my first love
People say dad is every daughter’s first love, and I guess that’s true for me too. You might not always show your love through words, but I’ve always felt it in the small things you do.
Pa, I don’t remember if we’ve ever sat down and talked for an hour heart to heart. Have we ever? I don’t think so. Our conversations are always short—just a few words here and there. Me asking, “Do you want to eat or shower first?” when you come home from work, or you asking, “Have you eaten?”
You leave home early in the morning and come back when it’s already night. Sometimes, you quietly peek into my room, standing at the door for a few seconds before closing it again without saying anything. I used to wonder why you did that, but now I understand—it was your way of making sure I was safe and comfortable. That simple act means more to me than you know.
You never called or texted me every five minutes when I was out late. But I remember how you always sent a message right before 11, saying, “Back home. It’s late,” or “Where are you? I’m sleepy.” No matter how tired you were, you waited up for me. And when I got home, you were the one who unlocked the door and locked it again, as if you needed to see me home safe with your own eyes. I will never forget that.
You never did anything grand to show your love, but the way you cared about the little things is something I’ll always cherish. You loved in your quiet way, and I didn’t always realize it growing up. But now I see it clearly, and I thank you for always looking out for me.
Pa, I’ve never seen you complain. You carry so much on your shoulders, but you always stay strong. Even when I know you’re tired or stressed, you never show it. I hear from mom about the struggles you face, but you never bring those worries home. I don’t know what you face out there, but I pray every day that God protects you. I know you do it all for us, and I will always be grateful for the sacrifices you make.
Sometimes I wonder what your dreams were before life pulled you into the role of being a father and provider. Did you ever have wild ambitions, Pa? Were there places you wanted to see or things you wanted to do but never got the chance? If I could give you one thing in this life, it would be the freedom to chase every dream you set aside for us.
When I think about everything you’ve taught me, I realize that most of it wasn’t from your words but your actions. You taught me strength by showing resilience when life was tough. You taught me kindness by helping people even when it wasn’t convenient. You taught me humility by never bragging about the sacrifices you made. And you taught me what it means to love quietly but fiercely.
Mom once told me that I’m your favorite child. I didn’t believe her at first. But as I grew up, I noticed it. You never got mad at me the way you did with my brothers. When I made mistakes, you simply told me what I did wrong and reminded me to do better. Maybe it’s because I’m your only daughter, but whatever the reason, thank you for always being patient and gentle with me.
I love seeing you laugh, Pa. Your laughter lights up the room. Please let me hear it more often. I’ll laugh at all your dad jokes, even if nobody else does. And I love hearing your voice too. Talk to me more, Pa. Joke with me like you always do when I hold out my hand to shake yours before going out, and you pretend I’m asking for money. Those small moments make my day.
I’ve noticed your hair turning whiter and your skin getting wrinkled. Your body isn’t as strong as it used to be. Time is passing, and it hurts to see you getting older. I wish I could keep you with me forever. I’m in my 20s now, but in my heart, I will always be your little girl.
Pa, I’m sorry if I don’t say this enough, but I love you. We’ve never been good at talking about our feelings, but I hope you feel my love through my actions. Just like I feel your love through the things you do for me. You’ve always been there, quietly taking care of me, and I will never take that for granted.
Pa, I will be proud forever to call you my father. You have given me a love so steady and pure that no words could ever fully capture its meaning. It’s an honor to be your daughter, to learn from you, and to walk through life knowing I have you by my side. If I were given another life, I wouldn’t wish for anything different. I would always choose to be your daughter, without hesitation. Always.
There’s a warmth in knowing that I belong to you—a feeling that no one else can give. You’ve shaped so much of who I am, not just by being my father but by being my guide, protector, and quiet source of strength. And I promise to carry that pride and gratitude in my heart for as long as I live.
The world today feels colder and more demanding, but I hope you find warmth in our family. I want you to know that I see you, Pa—the man who never stops trying, even when it’s hard. You’ve built a legacy not just through the things you’ve provided but through the love you’ve given us. That legacy is something I will carry with pride wherever life takes me.
If there’s one thing I want you to always remember, it’s that you matter deeply to me and to all of us. Your presence fills our lives with meaning, even if we don’t say it as often as we should. But know this—your love is the heartbeat of our family, and it will forever remain that way.
You are more than a father, Pa. You are my first love, my hero, and my protector. One day, when I have children of my own, I hope I can be even half as patient, strong, and loving as you have been to me. I want to tell them stories of their grandfather—the man who loved with quiet strength and made us feel safe just by being there. And I will teach them what you’ve shown me: that love doesn’t have to be loud to be true.
I promise that I will always be your daughter, not just in this lifetime but in any lifetime we are given.
Happy birthday, Pa! On your 56th birthday, I pray for nothing but your happiness and health. I hope the world is kind to you and that God protects you wherever you go. You’ve worked so hard for us, and I wish you peace and joy in return. I will cherish you forever, Pa, and love you in ways that words can never fully express. Thank you for being you.
