My dad is my hero. I know that it has become cliche for people to say that someone is their hero, but it’s true. 

He is someone whom admire, not only from the perspective of his daughter, but also as a person. From my standpoint, it seems like he works 24/7, and consistently has a pile of “to-do’s” that is constantly growing in his mind. However, despite the enormous amount of work he has to accomplish to support our family, he always makes time for us. When my mom is at work, he comes to pick me up from school, and has made it a routine to ask me how my day was and ask if I wanted to grab something to eat. Not only that, but if my brother needs something from home since he is away at college, my dad does not hesitate to drop it off at his dormitory even though it is about an hour away. At night, my dad often spends time with my mom watching some medical, crime, or Marvel program. Although she may not express her enthusiasm for the chosen show, I know that the both of them enjoy each other’s company. 

My dad has always been my biggest fan ever since I was young, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I was five when I started playing basketball, and although my dad could have spent his time elsewhere, he always made the choice to take me to basketball practices and to come watch my games. I used to take this for granted since I thought that it was just an additional burden, but looking back, I was beyond blessed to have him there. Since his parents never had the time to go to his basketball games when he was in high school, I believe that this was his way of sparing me the disappointment he felt, and helping me have the sports experience he never had. 

When I was younger, my parents would have one-on-one days with either me or my brother. Although there were more “mother-daughter days” than “father-daughter days,” I absolutely adored the “father-daughter days.” I remember wanting to go watch Cinderella, the live remake Disney had released in theaters, and he offered to take me to go see the film. He took me to a theater that left me starstruck. There were black, shiny reclining seats, and a button on the armrests that could request for service during the show. After we ended up watching the movie, he took me to the Hilton Buffet because he knew all-you-can-eat buffets were my all time favorite. He treated me like a princess from the moment I was born to now, and I cannot be any more fortunate to be his daughter. 

My dad suffered from a severe spinal cord injury some years back. He was admitted into a hospital, and went to physical therapy for at least a year. He had to relearn how to do the simple things that people like you and I take for granted each day. He had to relearn how to walk, jog, run, and even hold his pencil. Yet, despite these challenges, my dad never gave up. Not once. He relearned how to do almost everything that he used to be able to do, and although he can no longer do certain things, it does not take away from the fact that he is the biggest inspiration in my life. To me, he is Superman, even if he likes to refer to himself as Iron Man. 

Dad, thank you. There are no words in any alphabet that can accurately express my endless appreciation for you. But, I’ll try my best for now. 

Thank you for letting me play Taylor Swift’s “Wonderland” on repeat in the car. Thank you for checking in on me every night at 12 a.m. when we are both still working. Thank you for wishing me luck on my upcoming tests before you drop me off at school. Thank you for believing in me through thick and thin. Thank you for taking care of me, Gogo, and mom. Thank you for giving me the opportunities you did not have growing up. Thank you for choosing to have me 16 years ago. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. 

I love you, dad.