Father. A word that lulls us from the very first moment, a voice that we never forget, even when time steals our touch, our presence, our embrace. Here and there, you continue.
Here, in the strength you taught me to have, in your certainty that I was capable of the greatest feats.
Here, in your smile that still echoes and in your gaze that said more than I, at times, could understand.
Here, in the way I learned from you to be fair, to not give up, to value commitment and faith.
Here, in the way I caress your grandchildren's hands, just like you did with me, in the gentle way I connect with others, and even in the way I keep quiet when I'm angry — just like you, Dad.
Beyond, where the eyes can no longer reach, but the heart feels.
Beyond, where longing turns into a desired embrace, despite being invisible, where unspoken words become whispers.
I know that, somehow, you still watch over me. You still guide my steps when I hesitate and support me when the world seems to fall apart.
Life goes on, although never without you. You are in the advice I now give my children, in the expressions I repeat without realizing it, in the glow of an achievement that makes me think: “How you would like to see this!”
Here and there, always and forever, Father, I thank you for everything.
To all parents, here and there.