You know the tale: little girls are Daddy's little girls and little boys are Momma's boys. Well I can't say that was particularly true for me because I apparently told my Dad that I didn't love him when I was little and that I only loved my Mom. Sorry, Dad, but keep in mind that I (eventually) loved you too.
You may be asking, "Why did Taylor write this article?" right now and I'm going to tell you: to make big, strong men like you ask questions; just like you told me when I was younger! However, I did feel the need to write an article for you because: 1) I've written about Mom before, 2) I've written about teachers before, 3) I needed to submit an article, but mostly 4) you deserve to be recognized for what all you do in my life and how you impacted me so greatly. I love you.
1. Always work hard.
I could probably count on one hand the times my dad has called out of work, and most of them were because he was sick/had appointments/etc, and I aspire to be that dedicated. Seriously.
2. Ford is always better than Chevy.
Built Ford Tough. It was the first automobile company. There's nothing else to say about that.
3. What a good sounding car sounds like.
I do have to say, though, I also learned that through the Fast & Furious movies too. (RIP my husband, Paul Walker aka Brian O'Connor aka An Actual Angel).
4. Stand up for what you believe in.
Yeah, I could get called a b*tch, but at least I'll prove my point and establish dominance.
5. Men DO cry... sometimes.
And that is perfectly OK, even encouraged!
6. That '80s music (Classic Rock, specifically) is ultimately the best.
Again, it wasn't just him that taught me this, but mainly.
7. He will always be there.
Never has he left me stranded or left me without knowing that I could always count on him.
8. I can do anything I set my mind to.
Dad, you have always told me this. When it comes to most things now, I believe it.
9. To laugh out loud at everything you think is funny.
Yeah, you remember those episodes of Friends and That 70s show, don't you? I do.
10. To drive... and drive fast.
Again, the Fast and Furious cast taught me this too, and so did Mom, but you get it.
11. Cutting people out of your life if you need to is OK, whether it's forever or temporary.
*Snip snip*. Sometimes you just have to do it. For your sake or theirs.
12. People don't keep all of their promises.
I'm pretty sure you'll know what I'm referring to here, Dad, but you ultimately made it right.
13. Never start a fight, but finish it.
Similarly, never throw the first punch, but you better throw the last one.
14. A heartbreak can always heal.
I will be OK.
15. You can always wish and want, but you probably aren't going to get it unless you work for it.
In other words... wish in one hand and **** in the other, see what fills up faster.
16. How to answer suspicious phone calls.
"Hello, this is Coffey's pool hall. 8 Ball speaking, how can I help you?"
18. If you don't ask, the answer is always no.
Truth. Facts.
19. How to do a burnout.
20. Boys are dumb.
They don't know what they want and they will break your heart, but always refer back to #14.
21. Chase my dreams and hope for the best.
You (& Mom) have helped me more in my career more than anyone else and for that, I cannot thank y'all enough.
