As it neared Father’s Day, I couldn't help but think about the kids, especially the girls, who don’t have a father. Maybe their father passed on early or he ran away at the sight of two blue lines on a stick. The older I get, the more I realize how important my relationship with my father has been throughout my life.

Growing up, we often take for granted everything that our parents do for us. Even though I don't need a holiday to remind me how much I love my father, it's nice to dedicate a day to him. He has done so much for me and there are some things that I need to thank him for.

1.Making Me a Priority

He always put me and my sisters first in life. He is always there when I call, and the first one to jump when I need something. He has given me more than enough, but I want to thank him most for giving me his time.

2.Making Me Tough

I am tough because being tough was the only option I had. If I collided with another girl in my basketball game, my dad always told me that she’d better be the one leaving the court with tears and a bloody nose. I am tough because my dad pushed me to my limits. He knew just how much harder I could push myself. I am tough, because he never gave up on me.

3. Making Me Laugh

I am not sure how he comes up with the things that he says but I know that I couldn’t live without his humor. He is always making me laugh and there is never a dull moment when he is around. I even know him so well now that when something happens and I know he is going to make a joke about, all I have to do is look at him and before he says anything, and we'll just start laughing. He often has no idea where the line is between funny and inappropriate, which makes his jokes even funnier.

4. His Gentle Heart

Raising all girls must’ve been a roller coaster for him. I am sure he learned a lot about females and probably more than he wanted to know. I know how easy it could be for him to expect us to react to situations like boys do, but he always understands and always give the best advice. Even when we pull on his patience, he still listens.

5. For Believing In Me

I want to thank him for always supporting me throughout my life. For spending his weekends in the gym or at the fields watching me play. For helping me build cars and crash them in the demolition derby. For missing me when I moved away to another state but encouraging me to venture out of my comfort zone. For believing in me and helping me live out my dreams.

6. My Self-Respect

He has taught me to never settle for less than I deserve. He has always trusted my judgement but has shown me how important respecting myself is. He has taught me the secrets behind boys intentions and always has my back.

7. Teaching Me About Life

Whenever I have a question on how something is supposed to work or why it is the way that it is, I ask my dad. I feel like he is the smartest person on earth. Even if he doesn’t know the answer he always knows how to figure it out without google.

8. Introducing Me To My Faith

Even though as I got older and started figuring out my own relationship with God, I was first introduced to my faith as a young child because of my dad. My faith is something I hold very dear to my heart and I feel sad for the people who don’t get to feel that.

There aren’t enough words that could sum up just how blessed I am to have the bond that I do with my father. I am a daddy’s girl and always will be. Thank you for helping me become someone to be proud of. Happy Father’s Day Pops!

“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad”