Andrew Spaziani is my amazing father that I so so much look up to and admire. Growing up, my dad was always the one with the lax rules, cool calm and collected attitude, and overall giant, welcoming heart. Because of his persona, all my friends flocked to him as a father figure. I believe that no matter my friends' situations at home, one could always find a friend and warm home with me in mine. I can't thank my dad enough for this, because i believe i owe part of my giant heart to him. I'll never forget when I was about 7 years old, and my dad stopped on the side of the street for a woman with her daughter. He gave them $100 and his business card, and told them to use the money for a safe and warm hotel room for the night. That moment is what opened my heart to the homeless community for sure, and I will forever be grateful for that. I have had the privelage and luxury of growing up with a father who took all of my birthday money away from me, to only deposit it into a college fund for me. I had the privelage and gratitude of feeding my friends meals and giving them rides home from school everyday. I had the brilliant reminder from day one to check my privelage, and then share it with those who may be fortunate enough to have all that i do, and because of that, I feel less guilty for all that I have been gifted in this world. When one can learn to share their mental and physical wealth with the rest of the world around them, greed in my own self seems impossible. Thank you Dad, for teaching me to open my heart. Thank you for your selflessness, and not only making your only daughter feel like apart of your heart, but for all of my friends and relatives. You are incredibly respected, and I know i'm not the only one to say that about you. Thank you for sharing your persona with all of us. We all love you from the bottom of our hearts -
