Apá, I remember the time that you practiced your first aid training on me because I cut my arm open. Every time I look at the scar on my arm, I can picture the day that you patched me up with the intricate tape pattern.

Apá, I remember all the times that you played catch with me, took me to practice and came to my games. Whether it was baseball, soccer or football, you were always there cheering me on.

Apá, I remember your sense of humor. You would always crack jokes and wanted to make people smile.

Apá, I remember how responsible you were. Even when times got tough, you would find a way to make ends meet.

Apá, I remember how hard you worked to provide for our family. You worked long days and long weeks. I never heard you complain and you gave it your all.

Apá, I thank you. I thank you for who I have become.

Now stop smirking because it wasn’t all you. Mom is important too but you taught me so much, so I thank you.

I thank you for teaching me how to take care of our family, even if you didn’t know what you were doing.

I thank you for giving me your love of sports, even if our teams aren’t very good.

I thank you for giving me your sense of humor, even though not everyone laughed at your jokes.

I thank you for teaching me to be responsible, even when times get hard.

I thank you for teaching me how to be a hard worker, even when you are tired.

Apá, a part of you now lives on in me.

I will always remember you and thank you. Through me, others will be able to remember and thank you too.

Written by Luis Guerra and edited by Angela Fujii.