Being in college and experiencing the many different perspectives and viewpoints of fellow students and professors around you brings about what should be an obvious realization. The realization is that parenting has the largest impact on what people bring into the world; the way they think and the way they act. Although I love taking in and understanding other's opinions and challenging myself to new knowledge, this experience has also made me appreciate my parents and the way I was raised more than ever. Last week I wrote an article about moms and one of the many reasons why we love them. This week I would like to continue my appreciation in the parenting realm by focusing on dads, specifically my dad, and what he means to me. Here you go dad, this one is for you.

Being my dad means making me (and yourself) laugh.

You always take pride in being the funniest guy in the room. From all your cliché dad jokes, to your many show stopper dances, you always know how to put a smile on my face. I used to find it embarrassing, and I would beg you to stop, as any preteen daughter would, but now I miss it everyday.

Being my dad means being a healer.

You are always asking if I am feeling okay, or if my migraines have gotten any worse. You always ask if I have medicine with me, or if I need anything if I am not feeling well.

Being my dad means being my protector.

You always want to make sure I am safe, whether I am at school or not. You tell me not to go any where by myself at night, and you taught me how to protect myself.

Being my dad means baseball.

You are the reason I love baseball so much. You are our Saturday morning tournaments and road trips. You are practicing my swing in the front yard. You are wrapping injured ankles and filling ice packs. Your closet is filled with Yankee baseball shirts, hoodies, hats, and souvenirs... and now you are the reason my closet looks the same.

Being my dad means being selfless.

You are checking the oil in my car and air in my tires. You are making me breakfast and refilling my water cup. You are hanging picture frames in my room and carrying heavy things when I can't. Sometimes I think I take advantage of your selflessness and I am sorry for that.

Being a parent is the probably the most dynamic, complicated, and natural job in the world. I say that not out of personal experience, but out of pure observation. However you make it look easy, and you definitely make it look fun. I am who I am because of you. Being my dad means a lot of things, but being your daughter means I love you.