1. Never grow up
Maybe this is something every parent teaches their children, but I'm so glad that my dad encouraged me to always be a kid at heart. When I was little, he was always there to support me, encouraging me to take up hobbies, be active, and be whoever I wanted to be. Sure, I didn't always follow that advice (I tried about five or six different instruments throughout middle school and never stuck with any of them, I'd get a sunburn whenever I stepped outside, and can't play a sport to save my life) but he would always drop whatever he was doing to film me dancing around the living room with a hairbrush microphone or play wiffle ball with my brother and I in the backyard even after he spent 10 hours at work. When I look back at my happiest childhood memories, he's always right there beside me.
2. There's nothing to be afraid of
My dad has always been my protector. At first, it was from fictional monsters and ghosts that made me afraid of the dark; normal things kids are afraid of. But later on in life, I became so anxious that I physically could not leave my house. When my fears got to that point, he, quite literally, took me by the hand and out into the world, proving to me time and time again that no one was out to hurt me and that the world was never going to end. If he did not have the patience and compassion to help me overcome my anxiety, I truly don't know what my life would be like today. I tell him all the time how much I appreciate his help, but I don't think he (or anyone) will ever comprehend just how much he saved me.
3. There's a song for everything
In my house, there's always someone singing. The halls of my home have always echoed with my mom singing along to the radio or my dad improvising songs about whatever was happening in the house at that time. If he's greeting me as he comes home for work or about to take the dog out for a walk; he will sing a song about it. The scary thing about this is that I have caught myself multiple times making up songs about my daily activities, but I guess after writing this list, turning into my dad wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
4. It's important to be silly
My dad's the biggest goofball I know, and despite how many times I've rolled my eyes at him or he embarrasses me in public - it's one of my favorite things about him. Every nightmare at three a.m or tearful adolescent talk has always ended in my laughing the tears away. He can always comfort me with a joke, no matter how bad of a pun or "dad joke" it is and whether he knows it or not. He's taught me how important comedy is through all the movies and shows we've watched together and all the silly banter we've had on car rides. My only regret about this is that now my dad knows I've admitted he's funny and I'm never going to hear the end of it.
(Note: The above picture is an example of how many times my dad has ordered my brother and I to take a silly picture)
5. You are loved
If you couldn't tell by this list, I love my dad a whole lot. He is the warmest and most loving person I know - always ready to give a long and suffocating bear hug. I have learned so much from him over the years, but the most important thing he's taught me is how much love he has for everyone and how I should be the same way. He always looks on the bright side and always has his head up high. The outlook he's had on his life is the one I strive for as well. He's shown me the beauty of life and living, and I will never be able to thank him enough. He gave me life, he saved my life, and he is my life. Love you dad!
