No matter what you are going through, or what kind of situation you are in, there is always one man you can trust to help you out. One man who will literally do absolutely anything for you to be happy and safe because nothing is more important in the world to them. And that man is your father. There is something so special about the bond between a father and his daughter. My dad will always hold a special place in my heart that no other guy will ever measure up to. He has been such an influential man throughout my childhood and still is 19 years later. There are way too many reasons to count why I love my dad but here are a few.

1. He has been there since day one.

My dad has been by my side through literally everything. People may come and go in your life, but your dad is someone who will never leave, no matter what silly things you do (because he’s too busy laughing at you). He has the power to brighten my mood when I’m having a bad day with his stereotypical dad jokes that I can’t help but laugh/roll my eyes at. I can’t thank him enough for always being there.

2. He is someone I can always count on.

My dad gives honest advice and will not tell me just what I want to hear. In addition, he will drop anything he is doing to make himself available. You know you have the best dad when he talks to you on the phone at 3 a.m. so you don’t have to walk back to the dorm from the library alone after a late night of studying during finals week.

3. He has taught me my worth.

My dad has taught me how to be treated and not to settle for anything less than I deserve, after all I am my dad’s “princess.” You can thank him for me having that mentality! I have grown up watching my mom be respected, loved, admired and protected. That is exactly what kind of man I hope to have one day as a husband and father to my children.

4. He is my biggest fan.

Whether it was my sporting events or dance recitals, my dad was on the sideline or audience cheering me on (very loudly). No matter how badly I may have stunk, I still thought I was really good because he was there telling me that I was. Or when I received my first bad grade in school my dad reassured me of the big picture that your grades don’t define who you are.

5. He can fix anything.

From a broken toy to a broken heart, my dad has just the right tools to fix anything and everything. Whatever it is that is broken, my dad always turns it into a learning experience for me. He provides me with the skills that I can carry on with me into my future.

6. He knows how to do everything.

I could always count on him to help me with math problems in elementary school and aiding me with various school projects. Lets face it, my projects were always the best with his help and artistic ability. I can be difficult to teach at times because I like to think I know how to do everything, but he is patient and lets me learn from my own mistakes.

7. He is difficult to say goodbye to.

When it is time to go back to college, it is always difficult when you have parents that are hard to leave. However, it is even harder when your dad stands there trying to be all manly and tough, telling you to “be good.” He will never admit it, but each time I leave, it truly never gets easier. I love receiving those unexpected phone calls from him just to talk to me and hear my voice.

8. He encourages me to best the best I can be.

My dad sees the best in me, no matter how hard I can be on myself. He's always there to support me and turn my failures into successes. He can sit down with me for hours, talking about my future endeavors and listening to me lay out my plans and goals. He wants the absolute best for me, and no is never an option.

As I grow older, or someday miles may separate us, nothing will ever replace the relationship we have built over the years and memories we have created. Most of all, I will ALWAYS be your little girl and peanut.