Ever since I could remember, my dad has taken on many roles that have constantly shifted back and forth. He took on being my friend, my mentor, my gossip buddy, my backbone; whatever I needed in any part of my life, he provided. Although there are days where I swear I could tear my hair out because of him, here are 5 reasons why my dad is the best one I could have ever asked for.

1. I basically live with Ron Swanson.

When I'm home, I go through my day listening to my dad hate on the government as well as vegans, watch him rebuild a 1960s Ford truck, call my shih-tzu a "rat", and spoil the "real dog" of the house- our chocolate lab. Anytime I mention his similarity to my favorite Parks & Rec. character, he simply responds with a "Who's that?" and then makes a comment about how TV is trash these days.

2. He's the best comforter when I'm down.

My dad does not have a very emotional personality, so when he sees me cry or sees that I'm upset, his reactions can either be humorously awkward or they can be just what I need from him. Whether it's a speech about all of my positive qualities or an "Is everything alright?" followed by an awkward stare, he never leaves without making me feel better than I did before.

3. He's supported me in every aspect of my life.

He covered all of my fees that came with sports, traveled all over the country to watch me play, came to all of the recitals that I've ever had, watched me grow as an artist, was there to be a mom when my mom passed away, supported my college decisions (even when they almost gave him heart attacks), and so on. No matter how bad my decisions were or how much disagreement there was between us, he has never left me in the dark...even when most of these decisions were discussed over the phone.

4. He knows how weird I truly am, and loves me anyway.

I won't even bother going into how weird I am; I'll just say that my dad should probably have some form of PTSD from seeing all of the strange things that I do on a regular basis when it's just him around. Dad, if you're reading this, I apologize for my constant impersonation of Gollum from Lord of the Rings- but that's the only one I'll apologize for.

5. The best thing about my dad, is that he is MY dad.

And there is no other way I'd have it. I love you, dad.