Nov 27, 2003 2 min read

I have a lot of things to be thankful for. My family, health, happiness and a chance at a fulfilling future in the Navy. There is one thing though that this might not have happened without.

I am most thankful for my dad.

Our family is like a lot of today’s families. My mom and father divorced when I was very young.

My father did not stay in my life, and my future could have turned out a lot different.

I am very thankful also that is not how it turned out. My mother met my future dad when I was 15 months old and right from the start we were very close.

This man who did not have children and was only 24 decided to give his life to my brother, my mom, and me.

I am now 15 and can’t think of a time when he has not been there to support me.

He has always stood by me.

Even in times when I had to deal with my birth father, he has always put my best interest first.

I would not be the young man I am today without his love and guidance. He has taught me many things during my life; I think the most important though is that it takes a special man to be a dad and that it has nothing to do with biology or bloodlines.

James Kelley

Albert Gallatin Senior High School