I'll be the first to admit that I may not give my dad all the credit he deserves. One day I sat and thought about all the reasons that make me proud to call him Papa Bear. This is what I came up with...
1. He's over protective... because he cares.
Nothing like being asked a million and one questions while trying to walk out the door. "Where are you going?" "What time will you be back?" "Are you even coming back?" "Why so late?" "Well, I know it's 9:00 but that's still pretty late.." "Who with?" "Wait who's that?" "Okay, just watch your speed limit." Every. Single. Time. I get it though, he's not just nosy, he actually cares. He always wants me to be as safe as possible and make good decisions so hey, what's the harm in spending an extra 10 minutes explaining your step by step plans for the night to your dad who is probably half listening while eating a bowl of Trix cereal.
2. He believes in me.
Besides my mom, he is the only person on this planet that legitimately thinks I could go to the moon if I really wanted to. Even though I consider myself to be quite average, he reminds me always of my talents, my endless determination and all the things he thinks I can accomplish. Sometimes you need this when you're feeling down and lacking self confidence. He has so much faith in me and I can tell he's genuinely proud to call me his kid. He loves to remind me that I'm his last born so I have a special place in his heart. He is full of support and "dad" advice. I could drop out of school tomorrow and join the circus and he would still support me and have my back. You always need people like that in your life, the people who tell you that you really can do anything.
3. He gives the greatest life tips.
Whether he's telling me it's perfectly acceptable to go 5 over the speed limit or tells me to always cover my food when microwaving something so I don't make a mess, I can always make sure I'm being efficient and practical. He taught me how to vacuum a pool and to always procrastinate when mom asks us to do something. Using coupons is never something to be ashamed of, in fact it is frowned upon in the Goldacker household to NOT use coupons. Also no need to worry about an expiration date. As long as whatever it is still smells good then you're golden. Even dairy products apply to this life tip. Build your immune system and don't be a pansy.
4. He can be funny... Sometimes...
Talk about corny dad jokes.. Steve is full of them. Every joke that comes out of his mouth usually leaves me speechless and walking away shaking my head. How are we related again? He's definitely not a comedian but sometimes his dorky humor is under rated. Since I can't escape the cringe-worthy jokes I have come to appreciate them somewhat. After 19 years I think I've heard it all and I think it's time we acknowledge the fact that Steve is actually sort of funny. I don't want him to get a big head though so don't tell him.
5.He's clutch.
When my first fish Otis died I couldn't bare to flush him down the toilet myself, so I made him do it. Thanks dad. Want to go swimming but there's frogs in the pool? Make Steve get them out. Need to duck tape something? He's got some in the garage. Need to put together your kitchen table and chairs at college? No problem, he'll drive 2 hours and only put together the table. Want to get woken up at an ungodly hour for Steve to ask you one simple question that could've waited hours until you woke up on your own? He's got you. Always. What a guy.
6. I'm basically an outdoors expert and know all things nature related.
I know the difference between a male and female cardinal bird even though I never asked.. I know when deer have their mating season and that you have to watch the dog outside because a hawk could swoop her right up. We have enough camouflage clothing in our house to disguise ourselves as an entire forest. I've been told I can draw a really good pine tree on many occasions and I could probably shoot a squirrel with a BB gun because I've seen him do it so many times.. I should be featured in the Outdoor Life magazine at this rate.
7. He is our financial provider.
Gosh, talk about taking things for granted... I almost never take time to think about how different life would be if I didn't have a dad around. I also forget to think about the fact that that man has worked for over 40 years at the same company to provide for my family. He wakes up every morning at 3:30 a.m. to drag himself to work and he has done this seven days a week for over 40 YEARS! He has always managed to put food on the table and clothes on our back. Even more than that is him still working to put his two daughters through college at a university that is by no means cheap. He is at an age where he could definitely retire but he sacrifices more time to work so we can live comfortably and have a good life. Thank your parents for their help, I have no idea where I would be if I didn't have the resources to get me where I am today.
I must say as sappy as some of these were, they all are very true. Appreciate your dads and let them know they've done a pretty okay job of raising you. I can't imagine not having a father figure in my life and I feel for those who have not been so lucky with the cards they were dealt. I'm sure many people would hate to see kids take their dad for granted because not everyone can say the have a dad who was always there. Hug your dad really tight and tell him he's not so lame after all. He'll love it, I promise.
