My father taught me almost everything I know in life; a large part of me would like to deny this fact but credit where credit is due; everything I didn’t teach myself was probably due to the knowledge that man gave me as a child. A strict authority figure who I’ve always feared, and still do to this day. He had a way of entering a room and creating silence and although he hasn’t hit me in almost 13 years, still manages to make me flinch whenever we argue just because I’m so absolutely terrified he might reach out and strike me. My father is a wonderful man really, angry and heartless to the unaware but generous and childish to others. He taught me to love but never be owned, to appreciate but never owe and to earn every single aspect of my being without every falling for the derogatory judgement of other. He taught me wisdom and intelligence and kindness and worth and was possibly the only person who never questioned my intelligence or my ability. He always aspired more for me, and gave me everything I needed to do so. He’s worked his ass off for 50 years and even though his health is failing, has never had a single sick day. Make no mistake, my relationship with that man hasn’t always been a strong component of my life but in question for my appreciation and desire to make another human being proud, there is no comparison.  He is my greatest inspiration and the best man I have ever known.