Father

Dear father, 

I remember you always smiling at me; a kind of strong paternal figure, always full of love and comprehension. You always had your way of making things happen. You used to say “Life is too short for spending it being angry, especially if someone has a perfect smile like you!”. And then in a magical way, instantly, I couldn’t remember why I was angry anymore. I was automatically smiling back at you.

You taught me everything; to live with passion, to be explorer, investigator of all that life can bring. You insisted that education is a life-long learning procedure. You kept saying that we have to read books, expand our mind, find ways to express ourselves, through art, hobbies, sports, music and dance. You asked me to live my life in close contact with nature, to be romantic and appreciate a dawn, a sunset and a starry night, to be sensitive but also brave.

You insisted I have to be a fighter, never fear anything and anyone. You taught me to be a kind and loving person, to honor my friends and companions. To love deeply, with all my heart; but also to claim directly and with honesty what I deserve. Never to awaken someone's love with no intention of loving back. Never to give promises that I can not keep. You called it cruelty and the worst kind of dishonor. You showed me the value of respecting myself first. Never to neglect and forget my own needs, at all levels, spiritually, emotionally, physically, for being satisfied and pleased is the only way to live in happiness and make others also happy.

You taught me to commit, to devote, to understand other's emotions, to give time, but also to put my own limits and never let anyone overcome them. You showed me what compassion and patience means;  you explained to me the meaning of ethics and virtues. You insisted never to forget to enjoy every day of my life, and you asked me always to remember this: “Your mind is like a dog. You must learn how to practice control and dominate over it. At first it is a difficult task, but then, believe me, mind always obeys”. 

You insisted that I must always be proud of myself and my actions; You tought me to be sincere to my wishes, to never give up and always try to become better. To be a good listener and speak with a constant and loud voice; to be rational, to consider and filter all aspects before I make a conclusion and to support my opinion with logical arguments. To be simple and humble. You insisted that the inner world counts the most. “You should learn to impresss with your personality, appearance counts only for the first 5 minutes”, you used to say. 

You taught me to be a fair person; to be generous with my feelings and to express clearly my emotions; You considered expression of true feelings and open communication as a basic science that makes life much easier and simpler and explains everything in this world; you urged me to practice on it everyday. 

You taught me to recognize and accept my mistakes, to learn from them and never give up; to say “I’m sorry” without egoism when the facts require it and "I love you" without hesitation when I deeply feel it. You insisted that the one who knows to say these little three words, these two simple phrases and understands their meaning, can conquer the world. You used to repeat that you prove the glory of your soul only with your actions, that “words” and “actions” are twin brothers, are born together, as two parts of the same coin. Words without actions are like a well without water.

You taught me never to be afraid; of anything. To be confident and strong, secure and protected; always, in crowd or alone. You offered me strong and deep roots, a stable basis for a start and balance, an invaluable present. “The best way to show your intelligence is by your smart humor”, your were saying laughing followed by a smart self-sarcastic joke, that I was repeating proudly to all my friends for days . 

I will always remember your words when you saw me sad one day. Υou hugged me softly with deep affection, you looked at me deeply in the eyes and you said: “Forget everything that I tought you so far. Just remember two words from me and I want them to follow you all your life: PRIDE and DIGNITY. Never forget these two words, embrace them, host them in your mind and heart and let them guide you as your best friends, as your eternal life companions”.  

My loving father, I grow old. Your little girl is now a woman. And I see all your teachings in practice and I realise how wise you are. I never had the chance to thank you so far for all the precious lessons I 've learned from you. Thank you for inspiring me in all parts of my life. Thank you for being the best example for me so as to know well the definition of a good father, a devoted husband and a real friend. Thank you for your wise words that always guide me in this rough life path. I feel so blessed and thankful for having you always by my side, for all that you are, for all that I am now. No words can describe this seldom blessing. 

I want you to know that my instinct and your advices show me the way every day. The least I can do for your hard effort and work on shaping who I am today, is to promise you that I will put all my effort to always make you proud. As I did so far. As I always will. I will honor you. 

I promise.