.308 | to Dad, from Lisa

My favorite part of the day is lunchtime. Not because it's a screen break during this period of working home (we all need one these days), not because it's time for a meal (and believe me, I love food), and not because it's a moment to scroll through TikTok (what did we do without that app?). It's because I have a moment to talk to my dad.

My dad typically calls me every day while I eat lunch. Sometimes the calls are short and we say quick "hellos", other times they're longer and we go into greater detail about each other's days. I live in DC while my parents live in Chicago, so we catch up on the happenings in our respective time zones.

What's so remarkable about my dad is how he is in the weeds. He knows every assignment coming up at school, every main priority I'm working on at work, and the general happenings in the lives of my friends. He is the first to celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments, the first to squash any ounce of anxiety, and (interesting for someone who is generally a very serious man) the first to make me laugh when it's needed most. Our conversations have become the most cherished part of my day.

My dad is a no-judgement zone. A voice of reason. A sounding board. A confidante. My most honest critic, yet closest ally. He is my hero, my champion, and my greatest friend. My dad is the most special person that I know. And if I ever meet the stork that dropped me off on his doorstep 28 years ago, to say that I am grateful would be a genuine understatement.

Thank you, Dad. Thank you for everything.