"It's not about what you know, it's about who you know."

I was raised with this mentality because of my father, and he's the reason behind a lot of what and who I know. And my goodness am I blessed to not only know him, but to be a mini version of him--looks and all.

First off, sorry for being a handful at times. Sorry for the $300 that got charged to my phone bill because of my personal hotspot (my apartment doesn't have Wi-Fi; I'll pay you back when I become the popstar that I'm destined to be.)

Through tough love and understanding, you've helped shape me into the person that I want to be. Thank you for the life lessons, big guy.

1. Waking up early is vital

I'll admit it, when you'd wake me up at 6 a.m. to help on the farm, I would've preferred to chop my arms off with a dull knife. Lemme tell ya, planting a 5 acre field of pumpkins by hand at 6 a.m. really builds character. Now that I'm on my own, I've realized how much of the day I miss out on when I sleep in until noon, and when I do wake up early, I accomplish so much. What wizardry is this.

Thank you for forcing me to perfect my "no, I didn't just wake up" voice when you call me at 8 a.m. Yes, I'm usually still in bed when you call me anytime before noon

2. If it isn't something you'd be proud to have posted on the front page of the newspaper--don't do it.

This has helped aid me in making good decisions. Sure, I still make some pretty stupid decisions, but I don't have a criminal record, and have enough common sense to not do anything too stupid. It's perfectly fine to make mistakes, but you taught me that if the same mistake keeps happening, it hasn't taught me anything.

3. Never give up on something that you believe in

You taught me that if it takes an ample amount of perseverance to reach a goal, it'll definitely be worth it. You raised to lose with grace and to be humble when achievements are reached. Every sports game, along with every big life event that has followed, you root me on. You and mom are my #1 fans, and I, yours.

4. Think outside of the box

You're an innovator, and that's one of the many reasons that I look up to you. I strive to be remembered by being different, and not just being another face in the crowd. You've always marched to the beat of your own drum, and although that's intimidating to many, it's not a bad thing.

5. Mind your manners

From a young age, you taught me to put a napkin on my lap when I'm at the table, to say yes please and no thank you, and to not reach for the bill unless I want to pay for the meal. I learned to not drag my feet when I walk, to have good posture, and be professional whenever possible. You also taught me to blow the straw wrapper at mom whenever given a straw.

6. Be open minded

I've learned in my 19 years of living that not everyone will have the same heart as I was raised to have. I was raised to keep my opinions to myself and to not fault others for their way of living. In a world of close mindedness, I couldn't thank you enough for the way you raised me. Also, thank you for reminding me to smile. I promise you I'm a happy person, I just have RBF (look it up) and I get it from you. Thaaaankkkkkksssss.😘

7. 80s movies are the best. No argument.

There has always been at least one of the Back to the Future's and/or at least one of the Die Hard's on our DVR. The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck--these are the movies that I was raised watching. Is it even Christmas if we haven't watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at least 5 times in December? No. You and mom never feared that we would see violence or hear profanity because you knew we wouldn't repeat it because we feared the repercussions.

8. Do what makes you happy

I never fully got why you wanted me to go to law school, but thank you for believing that I could. My life could still go down that path, and no matter the path I choose, your encouragement will keep me going. You want what's best for all of your kids, but at the end of the day, you've always told us to do what we enjoy; to find what we love and to not let it go unseen.

You also taught me to travel whenever possible, to find fun in every situation and to sing in the car. You haven't deliberately said "sing in the car", but don't think I don't hear you. Oh, and I drum on my steering wheel/middle console because of you.

9. Help whenever you can

Not just around the house, but by holding the door open for people or helping the elderly unload their groceries into their car. You taught me that I don't have to help out in order to gain something, but purely because being a nice person is cool. 😎

10. Don't settle

For anything. You taught me to be the best that I can be and to be surrounded with people that will encourage the betterment of myself. I believe that anything is possible because of the optimistic outlook on life that you gave me. I don't throw in the towel when I think all hope is lost because of the positive outlook on life that you gave me. You don't condone self-pity, and I learned by example to never go down that road. Honestly, dad, you've set the bar pretty high for any guy that decides to come into my life.

You don't sugar coat anything, and I'm sure you didn't think that I've absorbed all of these little life lessons, but I've gained more than you know. I'll never be able to thank you enough for all of these lessons you've taught me, and I look forward to the lessons that await.