Dear Dad,

Father's Day has come around again. From previous years, I would praise you and thank you for doing what dads do: being protective, supportive, and strong. There are many other adjectives I would throw your way, too, because you were all of the above and more. But this all changed when we lost a major part of our family.

When I lost my mother, and when you lost your wife, our family was in a state of grief and mourning for a long time. You looked lost, in a sense of not knowing where to go from there. You learned from that point on that you had to be both a mom and a dad to us, and that required a lot coming from you. I know you were scared, and I know you hated doing it alone, because Mom was no longer here to help you. You've always had her by your side, and it pained you to know she was gone.

Although this was a super sad and low time, I think you got a thousand times stronger. You were stronger than you were before. It took some time to get used to being a mother and the father you already were, but you're a pro now! Being a parent is hard, but being a mom AND a dad is harder. And you're the best at working both parental roles.

Ever since I was little, I've looked up to you. I was definitely a daddy's girl; and I admit that I still am, even as an adult. You have always been a hardworking man, who was dedicated and persistent with everything. You're organized and you always need to stay busy. You're the type of father that goes out and cuts the grass any chance you get. You're the dad who finds at least one tiny thing to fix in the house to avoid serious boredom.

You're the dad who drinks coffee and DOESN'T eat donuts with them, ever. You're the dad who wakes up every morning with purpose and a plan for the day. You're the dad who sticks to the plan. You're the dad who goes to every sports game, takes pictures, and cheers his kids on. You're the dad who treats his kids to Starbucks just because he wants his coffee and because he knows we want some, too. You're the dad who eats the same omelette every day (for 12+ years, actually). You're the dad who goes out of his way to do anything for his children, and for the people who need him.

I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for you. You're a sports-playing music-loving dad. We were connected through those two things. You were my coach in softball and basketball. I started my cross country career with you, and you encouraged me to the point where I would break team records in high school. I know every single lyric to every Beatles song because you introduced me to them when I was 13. I grew onto your alternative rock music you used to listen to when you exercised. You had good taste in a lot of things. You also did a lot of pushing and motivating to get me where I am now. If you weren't always up my back about getting different jobs, I would be in a worse place right now. If you didn't tell me to get away from home and live a life in college, I don't think I would be as happy as I am at this very moment.

All of these things make me think about how you're all I have, and all of the things that led up to this make me appreciate you more. You're the only parent I have now, and I need you. I realize now that you do so much for us that sometimes I don't have time to thank you. So here it is!

Thank you for sticking up for me! Thank you for encouraging me and cheering me on when I needed a little extra nudge. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for taking on both parental roles. I know it can be super hard sometimes, but you do it well, and I'm proud of you. I'm sure Mom is proud of you too,! And finally, thank you for being the best father in the world. You are, without a doubt, awesome.

Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers out there, and to the mothers who take on that role! You are all amazing!