Happy Father's Day

Today I'm playing tribute to my special Papa. He's always stuck by me, supported me in all my whims and there have been plenty along the way, his infinite patience during my rebellious teenage years was admirable. I guess I've always been a Daddy's girl, but as much as he's been there for me, I've always been there for him too. I've always listened and learnt from his life lessons handed over to me, even if at that particular time I decided to park them away in a little box until a later date.

He's worked hard to get me where I am today, fighting tooth and nail to make a better life for his family. He came over to England from a small village in Southern Portugal when he was 44, six months later I was born. He spoke not one word of English but somehow managed to overcome that, staying here for thirty years. Through sheer determination, ambition and a relentless pace he achieved so much. He and my Mother retired back to Portugal about 10 years ago, though if it were up to him at the age of 85 he'd still be here in London working. He worked all the hours to give me everything I needed whilst I was growing up and throughout university. He instilled in me his  morals and work ethic, loyalty, respect and honour. Despite his lack of education he believed that it was the most important thing to leave me with, 'knowledge does not take up any room' he said. He recognised the importance of having an education and being cultured therefore encouraged me in every way. He says that the happiest day of his life was the day of my graduation, I remember him crying buckets during the entire ceremony, he shone with pride. In his opinion an education was the only thing that could never be taken away from me. I'm so proud of him and all his achievements and, I will never forget or stop appreciating all he has ever done for me and continues to do for me and my family.

Teofilo Malagueira is the best Daddy a girl could wish for and I can't even begin to imagine a world without him.

Happy Father's Day Papa, I love you with all my heart and soul always.