I want to be valid.

I want to be seen. And then I want to be loved.

How do I know I am worthy of love?

I don’t. I only feel I am.

Yes, of course I’m afraid.

The reward warrants the danger.

A face made for smiling is a fine thing to have.

My father, imperfect as he was, and is, could not be improved as a model. He could have done no better than he did, and does. Only he could show me my own struggles and vulnerabilities. My dad is a living lesson.