Like most, I love an extravagantly good time, but I find the most happiness from the simple joys in life.

My favorite childhood memory is when my father and I went to Wendy's and got chicken nuggets, lemonade, and a balloon. We then brought the food home and had a picnic on a blanket in my tree house. Since he's not particularly skilled in the area cooking, we figured this would be the least traumatic picnic food.

I was so excited that dad caved and bought me fast food, and the red balloon was just the icing on the cake. We sat there for what felt like hours (probably only thirty minutes because little kid time is very skewed), ate, sipped lemonade, and enjoyed each others company.

It's a very random moment to remember, but it was just so blissful and is honestly one of the best memories I can think of. It feels like centuries ago because I'm guessing I was around 7, but it has stuck with me throughout the years as a reminder of how much of an impact my dad has and continues to have on my life.

Growing up scares me because I have to learn to be independent of my family and not surround myself with them all the time. So, I'm glad that even though my dad won't always be physically next to me, I know I can count on him to stay in my heart and buy me chicken nuggets from time to time.

Moments like these make me appreciate life and all that we have been given on this earth, and I want to make the best of my time here and not waste any of this precious gift I was given. I hope that someday I can expand my family and be able to give the love and joy that my dad (and the rest of my family) gave to me.