Growing up with a father who does it all is a blessing. Some children lose their mothers at a young age and some children are born to mothers who leave them. No matter the situation, a single dad is someone who needs to be shown respect and appreciation for all of the things he does.

1. Thank you for spending time with me after a long day of work.

After a long day on the job, no matter the profession, we know you had to be worn out. Sometimes you came home covered in dirt or drenched in sweat, yet you still had a tea party or played chutes and ladders.There were times where you didn't get much sleep because of your job(s) and times where you didn't get much sleep because of me, yet you were still just as patient and loving as ever.

2. Thank you for supporting me in everything I did, everything I'm doing, and everything I will do.

I knew that if there were any possible way, you would attend anything I got involved with. You sat through band recitals that I'm sure didn't sound as well as we thought it did. You sat through games that were boring and games that were intense. You motivated me to do my best and persevere when things weren't so easy. As my dad, you made sure I had everything I needed to succeed in the most medial tasks. You even went to every event the school had if I was involved. You sat through ring ceremonies, award banquets, beta club and national honors society inductions, and even a few team dinners. You always let me know that I have someone on my side of the ring.

3. Thank you for stepping up and playing both roles.

Having to fill both positions of the mother and the father is no easy task, but you made it look like a cake walk. If I saw something a mother typically does for their child and desired it, you made sure I had it. People might look at you weird because you can braid your daughter's hair or because you hug your children more than most dads, yet you didn't let that stop you. I always knew you loved me.

4. Thank you for being my one phone call.

No matter the situation, you are the first person I think to call. You give me advice and tell me your opinion and what my next step should be. Thank you for listening to my rants about unimportant things and just letting me get things off of my chest.

5. Thank you for raising me the way you did.

We might not have been in church every time the doors are open, but you made sure I did my Bible study and said my prayers every night. You constantly reminded me that I should be thankful for everything I am given in my life because being alive does not mean that you are automatically entitled to things. I truly appreciate that you raised me to work hard for what I want and to never give up on. Being constantly reminded of Philippians 4:13 got me through more than you could imagine. I am so thankful that you raised me to say ma'am and sir and please and thank you because that's not something kids are taught much anymore. You raised me to be respectful and kind, even when people aren't so kind or respectful to me.

6. Lastly, thank you for being you.

I can't say enough how blessed that I am to have grown up with a single father. Sometimes, as a child, I would think about how mad I was at God for the way things happened with my mother. I later learned that everything really does happen for a reason and I am a stronger person than I would have been if things were any different. Your kindness and love show through me many times and I wouldn't have it any other way!