It’s my dad’s birthday today. He’s 75 and I am incredibly lucky to have had my parents. Such amazing people who guided me towards an open and accepting adulthood. I didn’t send my dad a card, I’m shit at sending cards. However I always contact him one way or another. Today I sent an email and I thought I would share it here.
Hi dad,
On a day like today, when the worst news of 2016 is being aired on tv and radio, talked about on social media and in staff rooms. As friendships make and break based on opinion of American politics, there has been one bright light getting me through the day. That bright light has been your birthday. I’ve told all the kids at school (at least the ones I work with) that today is My Dad’s birthday and they all loved that information.
No matter what the news tells us, what hatred and fear has caused America to make an even worse voting decision than the UK did earlier this year, your birthday is a hugely important news item because you (together with mum) taught me how to live without hate and fear of those that are different.
One of my favourite childhood stories is one that ended in a bottle of Italian wine. When you were in the front garden and an Italian family stopped their car looking for Cawood campsite. At first you tried to direct them but it seemed easier to just show them. You got in your car and drove to Cawood, the family following behind in their car. A family you didn’t know and didn’t expect to hear from again. But they showed up a day or two later with a bottle of wine to say thank you. It’s those influences that helped me to become who I am, to help me believe in what I believe so thank you dad, for everything and for showing me how to best live my life.
Have a lovely, wonderful rest of your birthday. I love you,
xxxxxx
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