With Dad’s weekend for my sorority just around the corner, I couldn’t think of a more fitting article than to write about my hero, my idol, my dad.

I am extremely fortunate that I have a father that I can tell everything to and that I know he puts my happiness before his own.

From an outside perspective, this may seem strange, but my father has traveled since I was a baby, and I mean traveled constantly with his work. He would be gone for weeks at a time and sometimes be gone for a full week and only be home briefly on the weekends. Despite this, I feel close to him. I think he has missed more of my birthdays than he has been home for (due to his work). I remember when I was little I would put that he not travel on my birthday on my birthday wish list. Even though this was important to me as a kid, in the end it is only another day out of the year.

My dad has also become my role model. He was not born into money. He worked his way to the top and he has earned everything he owns. Born on a small fisherman island in Sweden, he had two choices: get out or stay forever. He decided that he wanted to do something, and if it weren't for him, I would not be where I am today. The reason that I am currently in Ohio at University in the United States, is because of him. I would not have been able to travel as much as I did as a child (and still do). I would not have moved to Switzerland and Long Island. I would not have any of the things or experiences that I cherish today. For that, I am forever grateful to my dad.

As you can probably tell by now, I am a daddy’s girl. But not in the sense that he will buy me anything I want, but in that he would do almost anything for me. He always says that he’s happy when I am, and even though this is a common expression, I believe this means something more to him. It is more than just me being happy. It has a greater meaning.

When you meet my dad, he does not come off as the man I am describing. He is about 6’4” with broad shoulders and can seem intimidating. But building what he has built, having the accomplishments and achievements he has, it is not a bad thing that he comes off a bit intimidating. He has been through more than you would ever think by looking at him. Working the way he has, doing all of the things he has done I do not believe I could ever do. I do not think I would have the motivation and the strength to do it. I wouldn't have the ability to pick myself up and continue even though I may not want to. The strength that comes along with this is extraordinary.

Don’t ever stop being you. I love you, dad.