Last week I was sitting in the library, studying for a dreadful CSE quiz, when my dad called me and told me he missed me and had booked a flight to Columbus for later in the week.

Fast forward a few days and I was at Columbus Airport anxiously awaiting his arrival. We had a great three days together going to the Columbus Zoo, seeing Everest, eating, drinking and just hanging out. After my dad left I cried for a solid 2 hours and finally forced myself to pull it together for class.

While I was missing my dad, I realized how important my dad really is to me. So if you are lucky enough to have a dad who you can call your role model, biggest supporter and best friend like me, then here are some of the reasons why your dad will always be the most important man in your life:

1. He has been there since day one.

Literally. Your dad has been by your side through it all. On the day you were born he was probably one of the first people to hold you and on that day he fell in love with his perfect daughter and has seen you in that same glowing haze of perfection ever since. He was the most important man in your life your entire childhood and he still is 20 years later.

2. He has always supported you (financially and emotionally).

I really don't know how I would function without my dad in my life. Not only does he support you financially (sorry for having expensive taste, Dad!!), but he also supports you emotionally. From the first fall off your bike to the first bad break up and everything in between, your dad has been there for you.

He has always lent an ear and genuinely wanted to make you feel better. He probably brought you out for ice cream or told a funny joke or put on your favorite movie and it most likely made you feel at least a little better. Regardless of what happened, he will always be there to wipe away your tears and cheer you up.

3. He showed you how you should be treated.

For those of you who do not appreciate or understand my "I'm a princess" mentality, you have my dad to thank for that one. I grew up being respected, loved, admired and protected. I also grew up watching my mom be respected, loved, admired and protected.

Because of this, I know how I should be treated and I know how to recognize when I am not being treated right. So yes, I am a real-life princess and yes, I do anticipate a Disney movie being made about my life.

4. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect you.

You will always be his little girl and you will always be his daughter. That means a lot to a man, no matter how tough he is. Because you hold a special place in his heart he will always do everything in his power to protect you, both physically and emotionally.

He would easily face his biggest fears if it meant keeping you safe. Anyone in my life knows my biggest threat is "I'll tell my dad!!!!". And yes, this includes offering to beat up that dumb ex of yours.

5. He goes out of his way to understand you.

Your dad knows you have extremely different lives. I mean clearly there is an age difference and he was never a teenage girl dealing with the everyday drama. Nevertheless, he will always go out of his way to understand how you are feeling and who you are as a person.

He is aware you didn't dream of playing in the NFL when you grow up like he did, but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to know what you want out of your life. Be honest with him and I guarantee you will make him feel like a much bigger part of your life.

So when he asks how your day went, he would be much happier hearing what is actually happening, instead of just saying "fine". And sometimes he will even offer some friendly advice!

6. He gave you the best parts of himself.

Not only did your dad give you some of your best features, but he also gave you parts of his personality. He most likely gave you the best parts of himself like his brains, his compassion, his competitive edge, his drinking tolerance, his big heart or if you're very lucky, his humor.

So, you should embrace whatever part of him you see in yourself because you are one very lucky girl to have inherited anything from such a great guy!

7. He raised your brother to be just like him.

If you are lucky enough to have a brother, then he is probably a lot like your dad. I know my brother is not only the spitting image of my dad, but he is also a great guy who possesses all of the qualities that make my dad so great.

After all, the saying is like father, like son. You learn quickly that having a brother is like having another built-in lifelong best friend, so make time for your brother too. And always remember he will forever be the second best man in your life, after your dad of course!

8. He loves to hear of your successes, but will always be there to pick you up and make you laugh after you've fallen down.

Of course, your dad loves to brag about how well you're doing at school or with your job, that is normal for a parent. So when you have good news share it with him! But keep in mind he doesn't love you for your success, he loves you for you. So, when you do fail don't be ashamed to tell him, he will never stop being proud of you.

9. He loves you unconditionally.

No matter what happens between you two and how you screw up, your dad will always love you. Do your best to not drift apart or fight over irrelevant things, but if you do at least you know he will never abandon you.

10. He is the best friend you could have ever asked for.

Your dad will be there for you 100 percent of the time, unlike a lot of people in your life so make sure he knows that goes both ways. And enjoy having a father who you can be open, honest and drinking with!

So, if you are fortunate enough to have a dad like mine make sure to call him and tell him you miss because it will make his day. And if you are my dad and you're reading this then: I love you and Happy 50th Birthday, Dad!