When my father left me, you were there. You were there to pick me up and be the real father I never really had.

You were always there for me, but more importantly, you were there for my mother, who was dealing with more than I could ever imagine. Not many men would take on a relationship with a single mother who had a five-year-old daughter, but you did, and you saved us from our hard times. My father didn’t want me, and you looked at me as a blessing.

You were at every birthday party, every Christmas, and even every Thanksgiving, with gifts and love for everyone. Your family accepted my mother and me with open arms. We knew exactly where we belonged, and your family easily became my family.

You did what a dad is supposed to do. You taught me how to throw a football with the perfect spiral, you taught me how to be tough when I got knocked down, and told me to never be afraid to get back up.

The term, “rub some dirt in it, kid,” will impact my life forever, and I will say that to my kids one day, when they get knocked down either physically or mentally, because everything will be okay at the end of the day, and life will have its struggles.

You taught me how to be an athlete, you came to all of my sporting events, and you cheered me on when my father was nowhere in sight. You told me countless times to “not be afraid of the ball,” and “go to the ball to catch it,” and you were always right.

You taught me how to be responsible by giving me chores, something I never had before, and you taught me how to take accountability for my actions, both good and bad. You corrected me when I showed immaturity, or when I was selfish in my ways.

You embarrassed me in front of my friends like a dad is supposed to do, and I always hated it, but I love it when you do it now, because I love goofing around with you, just to get a good laugh.

Every time I left the house, I heard “use your head,” and it would annoy me so much, because I would think you didn’t trust me. When you say it now, it just reminds me that you love me more than ever and want me to make good decisions in life.

You were there for the first time I hit an animal while driving, and laughed at me when I started crying because I could have very easily stopped to let the poor possum pass.

You bailed my butt out plenty of times, and eased the situation by being the voice of reason during difficult family arguments.

You gave me my beautiful little sister, which is enough said. But it’s crazy how many features we share physically and mentally, almost as if God gave me these features as part of His plan.

You always encouraged me to follow my dreams and pursue my career, even though you know nothing about journalism, and I am thankful that you never tried to talk me out of my major, like some parents.

I love telling my friends about who my dad is. I love telling them how you shaped my values, gave me my morals, and you brought me deeper into my faith. I loved growing up in a house under your rules, and to this day, even when I don’t like you, I always love you.

I always questioned why he didn't want me and why he didn't love me when he was my own flesh and blood, but after growing up with your constant love and care, I realized that you are my dad, and he is only my biological father. And being a dad to a girl who needed a father figure in her life will forever be more important than DNA.