Father's Day is back, meaning there's finally an excuse for dad to get another fishing pole or baseball bat (you're welcome, Dad) that, though he doesn't need one, he wants. Going beyond the silly summer gift, Father's Day is here to give me a chance to say thank you, Dad, for all you do. Thanks,

1. For taking one for the team

Though for many years I thought you only coached my soccer team so I could play for free, and I didn't understand why you would coach a sport you never played, I know it was always with a big heart. So, for the years of soccer and softball, thanks for saving me from having a bad coach.

2. For being "the cool dad."

Maybe it's your somewhat juvenile sense of humor, your willingness to give me cash to go do things, your offers to take us toilet papering or your permission to let us do the thing that all our moms would say "no" to. Whatever it is, my friends all love you.

3. For teaching me to do things for myself.

You were there to teach me how to walk, talk, ride a bike, read and write, throw a ball and drive a car. Heck, you even taught me how to use a toilet. All for which I will be permanently indebted to you, Dad.

4. For answering my phone calls.

Whether I'm at home and want some TBell on your way home from work, or I'm away at school and I'm stressed about deadlines, you (usually) pick up and are able to save the day. I'm not sure what keeps you from blocking my calls most days. Seriously, I'm needy.

5. For waiting up.

It makes me feel bad for staying out past midnight that you always wait downstairs for me to come home, and I may act irritated that you feel it necessary, but I am secretly glad that you care enough to always make sure I made it home.

6. For making me laugh.

Sometimes you're really funny. Sometimes you think you are, which makes you laugh at yourself. Either way, I always seem to end up laughing.

7. For doing things for me even when I don't ask.

Sometimes I need gas or my car needs washed, but when I go to do it, it's already done. Thanks for fixing everything I break and for building an awesome clubhouse in the backyard, and replacing that with a fire pit when the ceilings got to be too low for your tall children.

8. For giving me some pretty cool genes.

People say I look like Mom, but I know there are quite a few things I get from you. My coloring, my height, my inability to dance, my tendency to drink orange juice from the gallon jug in the fridge — those are all you. For better or worse, half of me is just like you.

9. For being my biggest fan.

You sat through every orchestra concert, every soccer game, every award ceremony, with no complaints. You were, and continue to be, always on my side, even if that meant agreeing with whomever I was mad at. Your criticisms probably had a good effect on me, even if I couldn't see it.

10. For always loving me.

Even though I'm really weird six days of the week. Even though I argue and talk back and make your blood boil some days. Even though I'm sure I've done things that disappointed you, you've never stopped loving me unconditionally, and I've never stopped loving you.

Thank you for everything, Dad.

With much love and respect,

Your favorite child.