A lesson learned

Today is my dad's birthday.
For years, I had let the opinion of others also be the way I viewed him as well.
But one day I didn't want to feel trapped by that any longer, and ventured his way to see how I felt about him.
And you know what? I learned that he was one of the most caring, loving, creative beings ever. He really changed my outlook on things, for the better. And as I felt that we were just getting that father daughter relationship I had always craved, he was sadly done with his time on this Earth. I may have not got as much time as I wanted with him, but will remain forever grateful that I took that plunge and got to know the real him! I will no longer let the opinion of others effect the way I feel.
He touched so many people's lives in big ways. I love him so much and am so proud to call him my dad. Happy birthday, dad!