An Open Letter to My Dad on Father’s Day

15th June 2025 0 By Rachael Stray

For Father’s Day this year I thought I’d write an open letter to my dad to tell him how much I love him and how much he means to me.

Dear dad,

I’m a self-confessed daddy’s girl – even now, married no longer living at home and a parent myself, my dad is still the apple of my eye (sorry, Stevie).

My dad was cool as a cucumber on the morning of my wedding – calm, composed, and exactly the person I needed by my side before walking down the aisle.

That’s always been his way. My rock. My absolute legend.

Anyone who read my Some Heroes Wear Capes (Others Are Stepmums) post will already know how lucky I am to have my mam. And I feel just as lucky to have a dad like mine.

Through every high and every rock-bottom low, he’s been there – constant, kind, and unfailingly supportive.

I genuinely wouldn’t be the woman I am today without him (and my mam, of course). I’m forever grateful for the love and encouragement they’ve both given me – and still give me, daily.

Now, back to my dad…

I think I get a lot of my quirks from him:

We both really dislike onions (bleurgh).
We both love Cadbury chocolate (though he and my brother prefer it frozen – weirdos – while I like it room temperature so it melts perfectly on the tongue).
My passion for politics, social justice, and football? 100% inherited.
And my eclectic music taste? All thanks to my dad and his love for both playing and listening to music.

My childhood wasn’t fairy-tale perfect (is anyone’s?), but my dad has always been one of the good, steady things in my life.

He knew how to make me laugh, told the most ridiculous stories (complete with funny voices), and both he and my mam managed to spoil me with love and the little things – even when money was tight.

He’s also the reason a certain primary school parents’ evening lives in infamy. Let’s just say “Daddy Doubtfire” made quite the impression on Mrs Rodgers – and I maybe overshared just a bit at school…

My dad has a wicked sense of humour, is a massive joker, and always means well (even if he does wind people up on purpose).

He has a tale for every occasion – often a tall one – and is a brilliant addition to any pub quiz team (as long as no tablecloths or red wine are within reach).

Some of my favourite memories are of watching him play the drums with various bands.

And I’ll never forget how proud I felt when he walked me down the aisle, or when we shared our daddy daughter dance to My Girl our song.

Since moving back to the North East in 2017, one of the best things has been being closer to family again – seeing my parents more often, and watching my daughter, Elsie, get to know her grandad.

And oh, how he adores her.

Seeing him as “grandad” has brought a whole new dimension to how much I love and appreciate him.

He’s gentle, funny, patient, and completely besotted.

Elsie lights up when she sees him – and the feeling is mutual.

Watching them together makes my heart so full. There’s something really special about seeing your parent love your child with the same warmth and devotion they gave you.

As we all get older, I’m more conscious than ever that these moments are precious. That time is fleeting.

And that the people who shaped us – who carried us through our worst days and celebrated our best – deserve to know just how much they mean to us.

So, dad… thank you. For everything. For being my rock, my storyteller, my go-to for a good debate, and now, the most wonderful grandad to my little girl.

Happy Father’s Day.

Love always,
Rachael x