I cannot count the times you’ve reminded me that [insert challenging task] will build character, and that’s good for you. Most of times you have reminded me of this was the subliminal reminder to fix my face from showing weakness, fear, or regret, and to suck it up buttercup because challenges will persist in life. I didn’t always realize how impactful your simple words really were, as somehow, I would snap out of any lack of confidence in that moment and just because you insisted I was capable, and it would only make me a better person. You would never let me completely fall, but the struggle often was what built character and bonding too, especially with our countless challenging activities outside.

Each season brings new trials and shows the cycle of nature we so often take for granted. In the summer days, you have encouraged me to freely venture barefoot to feel the grass between my toes, braced me in full body gear to tackle poison ivy, helped me saw down branches and clean up the trees. I only got the tractor stuck once in all these years, and you taught me the knots I could use and how to attach it to the hitch to drag out of the creek... all with patience and as an opportunity to demonstrate how important hard work is. Fall arrives and I curse at the number of leaves but know to take care of the yard raking and pruning things back while preparing and bracing for the unknown first snow that seems more unpredictable every year. I anxiously await the cold snow and ice and surely have shared plenty of laughs as my snow shoveling and removal tactics are often exhaustive and less than perfect. But you allow me to try, sometimes fail, and always encourage these activities “are building character”. The spring is my favorite, though the challenges persist. Through the seasons, nature, and supporting the notion of all these small moments to huge accomplishments, they build character. They make me who I am today. I continue to strive to better myself and reflect all I have been so fortunate to seen through your words and actions. This “character” embodies so much of what you stand for; perseverance, determination, patience, kindness, flexibility, and hard-work.

As I embark on my upcoming travels, trust in all you continue to show me. You’ve instilled the desire to embrace cultures near and far through travel, exploration, and curiosity, which is truly an irreplaceable lens I continue to carry with me on all my adventures. This is part of my character, my being, my journey and I hope to continue making you proud from overseas.

Happy Father’s Day Daddy O, and thank you for allowing me to realize my truths and explore in this great big world continuing to build my character. Love you millions.