“Para ti Papá”: A letter to my father
Designed by Missy Soto
Querido Papá,
“Para Ti Papá,” a song by Ulices Chaidez, never fails to make me cry, and it is one of the most cherished songs in my life. It reminds me of the hardworking, caring and loving man I have the pleasure of calling my father.
“Tantos años trabajando
Solo para darnos todo día con día”
Ever since you arrived in this country from San Sebastián Nicananduta, Oaxaca, Mexico, over 20 years ago, you and Mom have been working relentlessly to ensure my siblings and I have had everything we’ve needed. You have held down two jobs to ensure food on the table and a roof over our heads. Although at the time, I did not understand the reasoning for your absence, I am now aware of the sacrifices made, and I greatly appreciate everything you have done for me.
One of my fondest memories of you includes when we held the yearly SeaWorld passes and every Sunday, despite working all week, you would take us. And even though you hated roller coasters due to their nauseating effect, you would always ride the Manta with Victor (my brother) so he would not have to go alone. You have always been selfless and brave, allowing us to form some of the best memories.
I cherish the constant support you have for me. From painting the old wooden desk black with me even though I had no idea how to, or for making your delicious tacos for the tennis team when I volunteered you. I know I can always count on you. You constantly show up for me and motivate me to better myself and serve the community around me. I appreciate you being present, like for Una Curita a La Vez, cutting and serving fruit for the community, or taking me to visit colleges when I was accepted. Your unwavering support means the world to me. I was taught to be selfless and create change thanks to the example you have set for me– helping others when you can.
I am grateful to you for introducing me to so many amazing food places. One of my favorite memories is sharing carne asada fries with you while you told me about your day at work. You are always showing me pictures of what you are constructing. Your skills never fail to impress me, there’s a reason everyone wants to work with you!
“El mejor papá, que si vuelvo a nacer
Me disculpan, pero yo ya lo aparté”
I treasure you not only for what you have done for me but for simply being yourself. You breathe life into every place you inhabit through your warm laughter and goofy personality. Your intellectual abilities, such as solving problems, puzzles and mathematical calculations, have always captivated me. When I am with you, I know you will find a solution to any problem, even when it seems impossible. It must be difficult in a world that demands so much of you, especially as an immigrant father who has had to assimilate. To me, you will always be more than just a dad. You have so much wisdom and intellect to offer the world, even if they do not deserve you.
I know the only reason you choose to stay in the U.S. rather than return home to your parents is because you want to see each of us accomplish the dreams you fought so hard for us to achieve. Words are not enough to express the gratitude I have for you, I can only hope to repay you one day with everything you deserve. As Ulices Chaidez says, I would choose you as my father in every lifetime. Gracias por todo, Pa. ¡Te amo mucho!
Feliz cumpleaños!
Tu (favorita) hija,
Odalis
