In the summer of 2002 I met Joe, my boyfriend. From the moment my eyes met his I knew that he was somebody different, mysterious in a way. Amazingly enough, Joe and I hit it off, and then it was my duty to find out what Joe was all about. I have learned a lot about him in the past two years and I respect the person that he is. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to share a special relationship with such a special person. I admire Joe because he is understanding, has self-respect, and treats my daughter like he would his own.
             First and foremost, Joe is understanding and never reluctant to listen to a friend in need. Whenever I am having a bad day he is there to hear me vent, wipe away my tears, and confidently tells me that everything will be ok. He knows my faults and weaknesses but accepts me for who I am. He understands that no one is perfect. Joe has taught himself to look beyond the flaws. He has learned to love a person for who they are on the inside and not for the mistakes they have made.
             Additionally, Joe has an abundance of self-respect. He does not follow the crowd to please others. He does what he knows is in the best interest for himself. Instead of hanging around on the corner purposely consuming drugs through his nasal passage, Joe spends a large amount of his time nurturing his body and maintaining good health. He is very self-confident and knows that in order to gain respect from others he must first respect himself. This is an extremely healthy attitude for Joe and it protects others from taking advantage of him.
             Last but not least, Joe is not the father of my daughter, yet he takes care of her the way that any loving daddy would. Even though Amadea's father is a bad influence and she does not see him, it does not affect her at all. Joe is a much more caring and responsible person who perfectly fits the "fatherly" description, which is exactly what Amadea needs. He teaches her right and wrong,...