The world seems to have forgotten the things you’ve done.
I haven’t….
You brought me to this country…. Saved my life…. many times…
From the jaws of oppression… from starvation… you fought for me and mom…
You may not have always shown me love… but your love held back tides of prejudice and stayed the hand of violence…
I’m here … alive and healthy because of the battles you’ve fought…
with the blood on your knuckles and the sweat of your brow….
you saved hundreds of lives… and crushed opposition at your feet…..
You taught me the value of a wizened mind…..
you brought out the demons inside me and taught me to feel at home with darkness and light….
you …. alone…. saved me….
We argued… and fought… but you always followed a righteous path… and i wasn’t man enough to follow….
but i always respected you….
I always admired you….
and i always loved how you’d smile… on the days when others would hurt you….
and how they’d quiver in fear when you just had enough …..
you were a massive hulk of a man….
Imposing and striking terror…. but with a gentle smile… and a comforting handshake…
My dear dad… you were a man…. above all else…
you taught me to hold doors for … not just women… but all people….
you taught me the virtues of respecting others …..
you taught me the value of love first… respect second… and fear last….
you saved my life… you fought against communism… abandoned a life of royalty… for the love of a woman….
you stood up against what was easy… and climbed mountains when others chose to walk downhill….
Dad… I love you… and i’ll never forget you…..
