Father’s Day is coming up and of course, we’re all busy. Not that it even bothers you anyway. You’ll probably spend all day watching old Western movies on the couch, eating frozen burritos.. Hey, it’s your day. But because I’m not going to be there to enjoy your favorite genre of film with you, I thought I’d say a few words of thanks, for myself, and every other kid who can’t really spend Father’s Day with their dad.

Thanks, for teaching me how to fish.

In the the olden days, you would’ve been teaching me how to be self-sufficient but where’s fun in that! Instead, you taught me to fish to relax and have fun, and there’s nothing better than good fishing out on the lake with you.

Thanks, for reading Harry Potter to me.

Before I was old enough to read those magical words straight off the page, you’d let me lay in your bed and you’d narrate Harry’s adventures. Then, I became a Harry Potter fanatic, and we all know how that goes.

Thanks for teaching me how play basketball.

I’ve played a lot of sports in life at all different levels, but basketball was special, because we shared that sport. I couldn’t play football and you couldn’t play field hockey so basketball it was: our mutual love.

Thanks for making me a Green Bay Packers fan.

Of course we’re both still Boston sports fanatics, but I’m really glad I’ve got another team to root for, one that you rooted for as a kid. Plus, I look pretty cool knowing Aaron Rodger’s, Clay Matthew’s and Jordy Nelson’s stats.

Thanks for showing me Neil Young, The Eagles and Bonnie Raitt

You really covered all your bases here with the best of the best. Even if my friends hate that all I listen to is classic rock, I think it’s pretty cool.

Thanks for being from New Mexico.

This one might sound weird but I think it’s pretty awesome. Everyone around here has pretty much grown up in this same part of Massachusetts, and is either completely Irish or Italian. You spice that up a little bit by adding something different, even if the Native American part is up for debate. Long live “The Land of Enchantment”.

Thanks for giving me your alma mater.

I knew I would love my college, because you did too. I never thought I’d be able to get into the school that you went to, but when I did I couldn’t have been happier to spend the four years of college where you spent yours. Also, thanks for understanding that in this case, the price tag is worth the education.

Thanks for letting me be your Daddy’s girl.

From wearing your old t-shirts and hats, to crying when you went away on business trips and falling asleep on you, you were always there for me. Even when we needed to spend weekends at field hockey tournaments and driving hours for sports, you did it for me. Thanks.

Dad, you’re probably reading this in your office at work. If that’s true, that means your day probably started at 4:30 a.m, to walk the dog, unload the dishwasher, take out the trash and start your long commute. All things that go pretty unnoticed and under appreciated. Maybe I forget to say thanks everyday. so to you, and all the other Dads out there, thanks for being you.