My dad is my best friend. Not only did he single-handedly raise me and my brother, he loved me and taught me some of the most important facts about life and being human. To simply say I look up to my dad is laughably a huge understatement. I realize as I grow older and develop into a young woman that I am extremely lucky to have the kind of relationship I have with my dad.

I know there are a lot of people in this world that have great relationships with their parents so maybe this article is relatable to some, but I am also aware that there a many people who don’t have close or great relationships with their parents, and for that I send my heart out to you.

Writing this article I realize I am who I am largely in part because of my dad. I’m not just “daddy’s little girl” and he’s not just my dad– we really are best friends in a way that completely redefines the term. Growing up, my dad traveled a lot and while that was really hard, it helped me learn that no matter how far and no matter how long we are apart, the bond is unbreakable.

While I’m writing this, I’m trying very hard not to say “dads” because I know not all dads are like this and I know that even if other dads aren’t like my dad, that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as wonderful and loving. Who I am as a person is at peace with who my dad is as a person. Some of my greatest memories are with my dad, and on the other hand, some of my worst as well – he’s helped me through a lot of darkness. I don’t know how dads are “supposed” to be and I don’t know what is normal, but I do know I am lucky to have a dad like mine in my life and I know that his lessons and stories will follow me for the rest of my life.

As I grow older and mature and see the world more clearly I see my dad as less of a father and more as a friend. I can tell him anything and go into stupid details about my day or a book I read and he listens and asks me questions and tells me about something he did when he was my age or crack a joke. Sometimes, when my anxiety gets really bad, just calling my dad and talking to him is the best therapy. And even when he drives me crazy or we disagree on something, I know that at the end of the day, details are only details and the only thing that matters is that we’re in this life together.

My relationship with my dad is not perfect and when I look back on the years growing up I can recall numerous ups and downs. I know that even if you’re a parent and have experienced a lot in this world, it doesn’t mean you aren’t still learning. The relationship I have with my dad may not be traditional or normal, but it’s one of the strongest relationships I have and will ever have with anyone. My dad encourages me to be myself, even when I don’t want to and he makes me see all the beauty and power I possess within to which I can be blind. He helps me see the world in a way that makes sense and seems less scary and more striking. Life is beautiful and scary and nothing is guaranteed, but my dad is always there and always telling me that if I do all things with love in my heart, love will find me. My dad is my blessing and the wind to my sails and I know that even when he is no longer with me, his lessons will live on and his love will continue to blossom like flowers in the spring.