My dad said something that almost moved me to tears today...

Since the middle of the week, he said I needed to go pick something up with him this weekend. So today we got around to it and we ended up at Nordstrom where he insisted on buying me a really nice pair of shoes. He always used to say never be cheap about your shoes, but today seemed different. While we were waiting to be fitted, he turned to me and said, "I promised myself two things when I crossed the border. Do you know what they were? The first was to never be hungry again, and the second was to never be barefoot again either. Now why would I do that for myself and not for my children?"

I got a little choked up at that point. That really hit home and I wanted to give him the biggest hug I'd ever given him, but we were in the middle of the store so I held back. He's changed recently, making an effort like my mom wants him to. It's moving, really it is. A big reason of why I left was because how he and the rest of my family functions. But there are days like today where I look at him and wish to be more like him than anyone else in the world.

I spent some time with my mom and brother today too, and it was nothing but smiles. When the evening came, we all sat down together and just hung around the house, talking and laughing like we used to when I was little. There are some things in this life that just put a smile on my face. There was nothing but those things there in the room with us, because I was all smiles. I love my family, more than even I knew.

Most of all, I hope they know that. I guess I should say it more, even to those who are hundreds of miles away. They've always been there for me, and I need to show them that I'll do the same.

When Can I See You Again - Babyface