Happy Father’s Day From Leila Edwards Williams

In celebration of Father's Day on Sunday June 17, we asked Patch readers to write a letter to their father and let us deliver it. This is Leila Edwards Williams' letter to her dad:

I want to honor an incredible man — my dad, Leroy — for being an amazing father.

Everything about my dad makes me feel blessed beyond measure. He is my inspiration, a true motivator, and one of my biggest supporters since I was a child.

Growing up, he made sure we had traditions and made memories, no matter how big or small. Looking back, I never realized that Daddy/daughter time, Christmas tree-decorating parties, chaperoning my school trips, singing on the way to and from school and listening to music were our things, to name a few.

A few years ago (before my dad moved to Maryland to be with my family and me) there was one particular day we spoke on the phone and my spirits were low. I was overwhelmed with being a first-time mom and acclimating to life’s changes. A day or two later, guess who showed up? My dad! He came to spend time with me because he said I didn’t sound like myself.

My dad has always been the fun-loving, “cool” dad. He would do whatever; race all the neighborhood kids up the street, see who could jump rope faster, go down a water slide with us, play sports, etc. Also, he has always opened his doors to my friends. The relationship we have allows me to feel comfortable with telling him anything.

He did an excellent job of instilling life skills and values in me, which I plan to pass down to my two children. It has been said that the best fathers get promoted to grandfathers. I am delighted that he is making the same memories with them. They adore him.

Some of the values my father instilled in me are:

•The necessity of education to achieve your goals (he gave me homework and tests in the summer)
•Appreciating what you have
•Always doing your best
•Respecting yourself and others
•Hard work leads to success
•Being responsible
•Being someone you can be proud of
•Viewing life from the right perspective
•Having a great work ethic (he dedicated 33 years of his life to his career)
•Taking care of your family because they are everything

I remember him being the last to go to bed and the first to wake up, motivating me and helping me get my day started. The energy he gave me in the mornings inspired me to conquer the day.

My dad has been there for every milestone and accomplishment my family and I have made. He’s thoughtful, generous and selfless. His attitude and wisdom have stayed with me ever since I was a child. He taught me to stand for something and lead by example.

Dad, thank you for everything. Not just on Father’s Day, but every day. Thank you for the sacrifices you made, for being an example, for being my role model and for just being you. There isn’t enough writing in the world to let you know how grateful I am for you. I love you, Daddy!

—Leila Edwards Williams

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See all Father's Day letters here.

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Image Credit: Leila Edwards Williams