Letters to Fathers and Father Figures

It seemed only natural to write letters to fatherly figures, after I wrote letters to motherly figures (see here).

Dear Dad,
Thank you for showing me how a man should treat his wife. Thank you for being around while we were growing up. Few moments were as treasured as our father-daughter dates on my birthdays. I am grateful for your sense of humor and jokes. I'm grateful you taught me to find a job I love, regardless of the pay. You lovingly showed me that I have your ears (you introduced the topic by saying "I had big ears as a child. You have my ears.), hair color, and temperament. You gave me tips on my temperament and how to interact with others. You reminded me that it's important to have a sense of humor, even during my grumpy phase. When we got season passes to King's Island, you got the best deal because you took just you & me, just you & Jen, just you & mom, and the whole family there. You taught me the beauty in nature, campfires, and camping. You showed me it takes courage to apologize, but it is necessary to do so.
Your daughter,
Elizabeth


Dear Grandpa,
Thank you for being in my life. It was always a special treat to get to go to your home and it was even more special to get to spend the night. Thank you for playing games with us; those memories are especially treasured. I have fond memories of the shows you acted in (especially Mr. Periwinkle's Christmas Party), family gatherings at your home, and your beautifully decorated tree each Christmas. Because of you, I was introduced to Star Trek (even if I found Klingons too scary to watch initially). You raised a wonderful daughter who became a wonderful mother. Your love and acceptance of our family made a strong impression on me. I am grateful you are in my life.
Your granddaughter,
Elizabeth

Dear Daddio (i.e.father-in-law),
Thank you for being in my life. You sure are a good listener and an observant people watcher. I am thankful for the son you raised and share with me through my marriage to him. I enjoy our candid conversations and discussions. I am grateful you are in my life. Thank you for opening your home (and pantries) for Sunday dinners. Thank you for the rides to and from places, the extra storage space, and the garden last year (that I sorta forgot to water). I am grateful you are in my life. Thank you for the advice you offer and also for encouraging Lucas & I to come to our own conclusions. I am grateful you are in my life.
Your daughter-in-law,
Liz-o

Dear father figure (Roger),
You may or may not have noticed how closely I watched you over the past 4+ years (in a non-stalker way), but I did. You helped show me that my faith needs to be real and in order to sing "wherever He leads, I'll go" I need a passport. You showed me the beauty in instrument-less songs. I learned when studying the Bible with a group, it's a good idea to quit while we're having fun. You taught me that questions aren't bad and we should think through our faith. I am grateful you are in my life.
Your BCMer,
Liz

Dear fatherly figures,
I may not always show affection, but I am grateful for having you in my life. You have taught me many lessons of the years you have been in my life. You have taught me lessons in joy, self-control, and friendship. You were friends and supports for me. Thank you for the time you were willing to invest in a growing Christian. You have had a deeper impact than perhaps you know. I am grateful you are in my life.
Your friend,
Liz