You came into my life, and from our very first conversation, I told you that I had a 6-month-old daughter and that she was my priority. That her father wasn’t in the picture and that it would take someone truly incredible to come into our lives.
You understood that.
You kept talking to me.
We formed a bond.
We fell in love.
You eventually met the most precious thing I have: my daughter.
From the very first moment, you loved her.
You respected that she was the love of my life.
You chose to be a father even though you had a choice—you could clearly have left whenever you wanted.
You could have left when our nights were short because she was teething.
You could have walked away when you saw everything that having a child entailed.
You could have left and hooked up with that “bitch” when the little one started calling you “Daddy” or “Papa.”
You could have left when she was sick and her bed needed changing at 2 a.m.
But you stayed. You supported me. You helped me so much.
You loved her as if she were your own flesh and blood.
Never. NEVER did you make her feel like she wasn’t your daughter.
Today, she may not be your biological daughter, but she’s the daughter of your heart. She adores you, and it shows. She’s a real daddy’s girl. You’re there for her, and the bond between you is just incredible.
Today is Father’s Day, and I can tell you for sure that it’s your day, too.
To be a father, it’s not enough to just be the guy you slept with.
To be a father, you simply have to be able to give love, respect, time, and a sense of security.
So happy Father’s Day to you, the dad who chose to stay.