Spent 2 weeks writng and trying to perfect this.

A little background: My dad is really my step dad as my biological father skipped out on me at a young age and never really bother with me at all. I forgive him but am very lucky that my (step) dad stepped up and accepted me. Hope this brings a little more understanding to the passage.

Being Mikes Dad

Dad, how can I thank you-
For all that you have taught me?
How can I thank you-
For teaching me to be a man?
Things as miniscule as-
How to tie a fish hook to line-
To the nobility of hard work.
You have taught me compassion, understanding, and self discipline.
I understand how difficult it had to be-
To accept being a father to me-
As I know it was difficult for me-
To accept being your son.
But you were patient, kind, and loving-
Always enduring of my teenage battles.
I know for sure my life-
Would be drastically different without you.
When God made you a parent-
He made you a step above the rest.
When he made you my father-
He made you a warrior.
So, today I thank you for being the father-
That stepped above the rest-
To become the warrior to me.
It means more than you could ever know.
With much love, respect, and admiration-
Your son.