My graduate school adviser visited me at my job the other day. Hadn't seen him in years. He helped me to make it through a very rough time in my life--a period of illness. His friendship and guidance played a huge role in my success and health. He gave a speech at my workplace and actually said in his speech that in my career, I would eclipse his professional record, which is an amazing record.
While he was in town, we had a great time touring around or doing research or just talking.
He gave me a big hug when I dropped him off at the airport. I found myself saying something to him that came from the heart--I said, "If I had a second 'father' in my life, it would be you." He said, "That is a very nice thing to say to me."
Do you think that was an okay sentiment?