My biological father left when I was eight, so I never really had the opportunity to know what it is like to have a "real dad." When my mom met the man who I call my "dad" now, I was skeptical, just like all young children are when their parents divorce. If I knew then what I know now, I would never have gotten my hopes up that my father would come home, and push the man who practically raised me away.

For years, it has always been my mom and me; every vacation, piano recital, volleyball game, concert, race, you name it. For a while, it was odd having another person rooting me on or coming on vacation that was not one of my friends. And yet, it was like a breath of fresh air; to have someone who did not care if he was missing out on something "better" because I was not his child, or sigh and get aggravated when he had to come to one of my games. His support meant everything to me then and even more today.

Eight years ago when my parents met, I took advantage of the support and love that Jimmy, my stepdad, had for me. When he came into my life, I was not just a burden he had to take on in order to marry my mom; I was not just some kid he needed to make like him just to get to my mom. He accepted my past as well as my mom's and knew that if he wanted a family, that we would be here.

My family may not be ideal, and it has its flaws, TRUST ME. But it's perfect in its own little way. After being in college and coming to the conclusion that this is my life, my little family, and I am one hundred percent better off without my real father, Jimmy has taught me amazing life lessons. The first, and this will follow me all of my life, is: "Show me your friends, and I'll tell you who you are." I have always kept this in the back of my mind, especially when it came time for college. I have always wanted that best friend in college that will last the rest of my life, but I realized that begging for friends and trying to fit in in college like drinking and partying, is not going to get me friends or allow me to be my true self.

The second, is hard work. If I have learned anything from my stepdad and from life, it is that laziness will get me nowhere. I have to work for what I want, and the things I want desperately enough will not come easy. Jim has drilled this in my head since he asked my mom to marry him (and myself, haha.)

I will be forever grateful for the man God has put into my life. Without Jim, his knowledge, and his support, I do not know where my mom and I would be today.

So this father's day, I am dedicating my first article to my Dad. To the man who has literally always been there for me. To the man who has made me the person I am. To the man who works 12, sometimes 14 hour days and still has enough energy to come home and put a smile on my face. To the man who never shows fear or worry. To the man who will always be the first I hug after a breakup or a hard day at work. To the man who has dedicated and completely transformed his life to fit mine. To MY Dad, the man I will love forever.