Father's Day has special meaning to me as an adopted kid. I really have two Fathers, but only one Dad. This is what I wanted my Dad, Henry Holava, to know:

June 17, 2004

Dear Dad –

I hope this message finds you happy and healthy. I know I don’t talk/call/write/communicate very well/often, so I decided to take a shot at writing you a letter instead. I figured I’d type it so that you could read it (my handwriting is terrible).

I want you to know how much I appreciate you, and all that you have done for our family. You and Mom have shown us, by example and through your actions, how to be a family. They should write a book about us, as a success story. We have had it all in our family, the good, the bad and the ugly. The times haven’t always been great, but also haven’t always been tough. We have persevered through it all, and we all became stronger/better people for it. You have taught me many lessons, how to be responsible and how to be a good person. You have taught me that life is hard, and that you have to work for what you want. Sometimes I didn’t agree with you and your reasons (If I only knew then how right you were), but as an adult and parent myself, I now understand.

You truly are a great man, one of the most selfless, loving and caring people that I know. Not many people are caring enough to adopt children and treat them like their own. And although you did not give me life, you are my Dad, and you gave me a life. That is the greatest gift. I hope I can instill your greatest qualities in my children.

This Fathers Day, and all of your days, I want you to know how much I love you and how proud I am to have you as my Dad.

Happy Fathers Day!

Thank-you Dad.