Over the years I have disappointed him, not listened to him, and sometimes even shut him out but he has always stuck around.

His answer when I asked him why he still cared after I gave him a million reasons not to was simply, “that’s what I do for my kids”. He never questioned himself on this one response, and has held his word on this day in and day out.

He was the first man to love me, and I have learned a world of things from him. My dad has a special place in my heart that will always be there, and everyday I strive to be just like him.

Hard working, kind, funny, and disciplined are just a few words I would use to describe him but the list of amazing qualities that he posses is endless. He always knows the right things to say, and never gets upset when I constantly ask for his help.

My taste in music, my facial features, my height, my sense of humor and my detail oriented nature all come from him. Even when I wasn't the best at my activities, he would lend a helping hand and proved he would never give up on me. At every cross country meet, cheer leading event, or basketball game he was on the sidelines as proud as one could be. I wasn't allowed to get down or upset about a loss or slip up because my dad was there to give me the positive outlook.

Blessed is an understatement when I think about my wonderful dad. I've got so much to thank him for, but there are too many things to name.

I'll just say this: thank you dad, for giving me the best life possible. Thank you for supporting me in every decision I have made. Thank you for giving me unconditional love and constant laughs. Thank you for making all of your decisions to improve the well-being of our family. Thank you for guiding me to be a good person, and do the right thing.

You will always be my hero.