Dear Batman

I learned from you to be in the service of others, particularly family.  I learned from you to serve what you value most high, without complaint, without rest, without hesitation, and fully- this is how you served my mother, your truest love.  You faithfully served us girls as well, without complaint, without rest or hesitation. 

I have so many memories with you that have shaped the way I live my life, but what I want to express most is that I am grateful, and that I did see your sacrifices.  I did see when you were sad, frustrated, overwhelmed, overworked, underappreciated, searching, and that you still put on the face of confidence and maintained joy.  I could not know how to help you in those moments because you made them yours to bear.  The closest I could come to supporting you in your pain was with your angry cleaning- you just join in without asking, as this is true love, to in-turn be in the service of another.    

Thank you for being my Batman, thank you for being my safe place, thank you for being my Dad, protecting me from the ugliness and dangers of the world for as long as you could, and when you could not, supporting me and empowering me to be more resilient.  I love you.