LITTLE MAN

Dear Dad,

Every credit toward my character is a testament to you.

Everything I've learned about being a man, I learned from you and I must thank you for that because it's worth a lot.

You taught me the importance of family and the values to maintain interpersonal relationships. I'm glad I can say I'm honest, thoughtful, dedicated and caring because of your example. When I was a kid playing sports, you never missed a game. You always studied with me if I needed any help. That's a lot to ask of someone with a full-time job, but you've always made it clear that you worked for Mom and Dee Dee and me, not for anything else.

I understood when you told me I needed to be more accountable to myself. Unfortunately, I only understood. I not only need to be more accountable, but I need to take a lot more initiative. I plan everything-just like you taught me-but I never follow through. These are my failings. Having learned all my good traits from you, it's unfortunate that your work ethic is not represented on my list of personal skills.

I know you're proud of me, but I've still never been proud of myself. You and I both know I'm not there yet, but it feels to me like I'm getting there. You taught me to exercise good judgement, but it would mean a lot to me to know that you agree.

I love you, Dad. I wish I could express all of this to you, but you're not that type of person. This is my only disappointment with you, but I understand.

Thank you for giving me all the things you never had-a loving family, a home, and, most importantly, a role model.

One day, they'll put my face on the million dollar bill.

Your little man,

Darren.