With Father’s Day just around the corner, I have been thinking a lot about the many ways my dad has impacted my life. My dad is one of the strongest, most dedicated, bravest, most creative and hardworking people I have ever met. The list of adjectives I could use to describe him can go on and on forever, along with the list of reasons I’m thankful for him. But I’ve chosen five of the ones that have stuck out to me the most throughout my life.

First, thank you for always providing for me. I have been lucky enough in my life to never have to go without, and that’s because of you. I have always had what I need and more because you were out working 48 hour shifts. You worked a full-time job and an insane amount of part time to make sure I had food on the table, clothes on my back, was able to go to a private school and follow my dreams of horseback riding. None of these things were cheap, and I never would have been able to do any of them without your hard work. I know it may not seem like I appreciated all the hard hours of work you had to put in when I was a kid, but I did, and I still do. Even to this day, as an adult, whenever I need something you always find a way to make it happen for me. I know that I can always count on you for anything.

Secondly, thank you for teaching me to stand up for myself. Since I was a little girl, you always taught me to never take any nonsense from anyone. You taught me that if I wasn’t being treated fairly or kindly to stand up and change it, to never to just sit there and take it. That has helped me more than you know. I know that I am worth enough to not be stepped on or taken advantage of.

Third, thank you for always supporting my dreams, no matter how crazy they are. I know I have come to you with some pretty insane ideas, but you always have my back and help me achieve my dreams. You were there, and still are there for me, every step of the way, cheering me on and trying to help make my dreams a reality. And if they don't work out, you’re always there to help ease the disappointment. Thank you for always being so open-minded and listening to my sometimes far-fetched dreams and not just shutting me down right away. You believe in me, and because of that I’m not afraid to dream.

Fourth, thank you for teaching me to work hard for what I want. You taught me that if I want something I have to go and get it myself. I can’t sit back and wait for it to come to me, or for somebody to hand something to me on a silver platter. I have to work hard. You taught me that best by leading by example. I saw you shed blood, sweat and tears to get me what I want, and now it’s time for me to do the same thing.

Finally, thank you for teaching me to appreciate the little things in life. Sometimes life can get so crazy that I forget to stop and appreciate the small things that are right in front of me. You have shown me throughout the years the most beautiful things are often in the littlest details. I will always cherish our nature walks and zoo trips with you because you always pointed out the coolest things that normal people would have just walked right past. Because of you, I always keep my eyes open in search of the small beauties in life.

I could go on and on for hours about the things my dad has done for me and taught me. But at the end of the day, I’m thankful for him. I’m thankful that I got lucky enough to call him my dad and that I am able to learn new things from him everyday.