My dad is undoubtedly one of my favorite people. People say we are alike, and in a lot of ways we are, and I think that’s why we get along so well. I have so many things I should be thanking my dad for, but I managed to get the list down to 11 things.

1. Always taking me to the mall in middle school

In middle school, I can't even count the number of times my dad played chauffeur for my friends and me and drove us to the mall. I owe him a lot for this because just about every weekend for three years, he drove a bunch of middle school girls who liked to blast Lady Gaga to a mall that was 25 minutes away. He is the real MVP for that.

2. Fixing just about anything I break

I'm under this probably false mindset that my dad can fix anything. But the truth is, I have yet to encounter something that is broken that he can't fix. I have broken my closet door seven times and my dad has fixed it each time. When I was 5, my favorite doll’s head fell off and my dad got a drill and screwed it back on. I break it, he fixes it.

3. For answering all my car questions

My dad knows a lot about cars. He's one of those people that will roll down the window to listen to an engine that I believe sounds way too loud. I call him a lot to see how far I can go on E in my car, to ask how to change washer fluid, and one time my power steering broke on the interstate and my father had me put the phone on the engine so he could listen to it.

It's nice having my own personal mechanic who won't make too much fun of me when I freak out because my car won't move only to have him tell me it's in neutral.

4. For spending time with me

My dad never excluded me from things because I was a girl, and he never allowed his masculinity to get in the way of spending time with his daughter. He would take me fishing, or throw a baseball in the back yard with me, and then watch Hannah Montana with me. It didn't matter to him; he just wanted to spend time with me, and I think that just goes to show how great of a dad he is.

5. For teaching me how to drive

I may also owe my dad an apology for this one. Shout out to you dad for being so patient!

6. For going to all my dance recitals

My dad made every single recital I had for all the years I danced. Even though I'm sure there were plenty of other things he would rather have done, he was always there.

7. For introducing me to good music

While I listen to a wide variety of music genres, I'm glad I know about 80’s bands, like Journey, Bon Jovi, White Snake…

8. For being just as spontaneous as me

Whenever we are on vacation, my dad will sometimes have ideas of random things he's decided he wants to do, and I usually always end up tagging along (probably how I ended up driving 30 minutes to a Bass Pro in the Keys, because, you know, we don't have those stores anywhere else). Most of the time we end up doing fun things, though, like the time I decided I wanted to learn how to drive a boat, and we explored the lake we were staying on. That was one of my favorite memories from that year.

9. For never judging anyone

My dad is the least judgmental person I know. He is always the person to say something good about the person people aren't saying good things about. He has an amazing ability to look at people and their situations objectively. He has a lot of empathy, and it makes him one of the easiest people to get along with and trust.

10. For the pieces of wisdom

My dad is a man of few words for the most part, and he will never tell you how to live your life. However, if you ask him for advice he will turn into a philosopher and speak words of wisdom. My dad’s advice is some of the best advice I have ever gotten.

11. Being someone I look up to

I'm glad I have a father that I can look up to. He is one of the kindest and most calm people I know. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love him and have good things to say about the person he is. I strive to be as easy going and non- judgmental as my dad. He’s a cool guy, and I’m thankful he’s my father.