Dad,

I'm not lying when I say you really get on my nerves. I mean, somehow you know exactly how to make me roll my eyes and leave the room. That takes pure talent to make your own daughter irritated on a daily basis. And even though you tell jokes that aren't funny and have the weirdest dance moves, you are my favorite dad.

Well, you're my only dad.

As my father, you've taught me very important life lessons over the years. Most importantly is when you explained the importance of the Ford Windsor engine to me. Just kidding, but I do bring that up in car arguments.

But seriously. Thank you for teaching me to stand up for what is right. For one whole weekend, you were on strike for almost 12 hours a day through rain and sweltering heat. I know it's just part of your job but it's also a display of character.

We are a lot of like in some ways. We are both introverts, which explains the lack of communication issue. But you passed down your love of Rush and country music to me. And it took you years to get me to like sauerkraut, but it happened. I officially like pickled cabbage.

I don't think you give yourself enough credit for who you are but you've actually done some really cool things. First off, you cheated death and survived cardiac arrest. There aren't a lot of people that can say that. You even got a degree in Automotive Collision Repair while still in high school which inspired me to do the same thing.

And then you've done some really goofy things. Like naming your kids after NASCAR drivers and mixing plaid shorts with a striped shirt. But I'm not keeping score on that.

It's funny because sometimes you really intimidate people but you are really one of the most shyest human beings. You are so shy that you told Mom and I that we couldn't order saganaki (flaming cheese) because you didn't want people to stare at us! But Mom and I love you so we sacrifice our favorite dish for you.

I swear, it's the mustache that intimidates people.

As my dad, you are going to be annoying. I think I have come to terms that you enjoy being this way.But Dad, I don't think you know what you mean to me. Maybe I don't tell you enough. Actually, I know I don't tell you enough. Because the other day Mom told me to lighten up on you. And it was just last week that you were getting on my nerves and she said to "hug it out." It's not that I don't like you, please don't ever think that. Because once upon a full moon, I thought I was going to lose you and I never want to feel that way again.

Because I never want to see you in the ICU and wonder if it's the last time again.

Dad, I just want you to know that I love you.

This song is for you.

-Stevie