Dad: The Built In Best Friend
Start writing a post
Relationships

Dad: The Built In Best Friend

Don't forget about your biggest supporter.

56
Dad: The Built In Best Friend
Anna Graziano

I thought of something the other day that made me both happy and sad.

I pictured myself, young and small, sitting on my father’s shoulders as we walked around the house before bed. As we passed from room to room, he’d duck under doorframes singing, “there she was, just a walkin’ down the street singin’ do-wa-diddy-diddy-dum-diddy-do.” For my siblings and I, this was the best part of our day and something that we have each personally held onto in the years that followed. This memory has always made me so happy, but somewhere along the way I began to think about the fact that one day he put each of us down for bed and never picked us back up for a walk around the house again.

In the years since, my father has found other ways to pick each of us up. He’s been a supporter at events, games, and shows. He’s been a friend to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, and the support beam under which our whole family resides. Where there was once song before bed there is now talks about our futures, shared memories, and many laughs. As children, our fathers are a figure to look upon for guidance, and a hero that inspires us everyday.

And, as we get older – if we’re lucky – our fathers remain those things. But the biggest perk of growing up is that they grow too, into our best friends.

There are times when I take my dad for granted, and when I forget how much he does for me. I’ll catch myself forgetting to say thank you, ignoring a typical Dad joke or rolling my eyes at something that was meant to make me smile. Years later, he is still always trying to pick us up in one-way or another. I find myself wishing for ways that I could pick him up and hoist him over my shoulders in order to make his day-to-day life feel just a little bit lighter. As the kid, it feels as though we can never make anything up to the one who has given us everything. We cannot give them back the time that they have spent helping us grow and we cannot repay them for all of the life that they have given us. But we can make all of this worthwhile. We can let our fathers watch us grow, and include them in our lives.

So when Dad asks about your day, give him more than just a simple “good” or “fine.” Don’t blush and roll your eyes when he asks about your social or love life – a father that wants what’s best for you cares about that stuff just as much as you do, and isn’t trying to embarrass you by asking. He was your age once too and, while you may give him gray hairs at times, you also keep him young. So, while you may not literally be able to carry your father on your shoulders, one of the best pick-me-ups that you could offer him is the opportunity to be a part of the world that he helped you build.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

The ultimate itinerary for travel in South Africa

6 days travel for under $1200

4156
brown leopard on top of grey rock

With its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and exciting cities, South Africa is a must-visit destination for any traveller. Great News… it's more affordable than you might think. With the current USD to Rand exchange rate, it's possible for 2 people to travel around this beautiful country for under $1200. But to do so, you'll need some insider knowledge and tips from local students and travel enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll share some of the best hacks to help you explore South Africa on a shoestring budget. From wildlife spotting to city adventures, we've got you covered. So grab your backpack and let's get started!

Safety

Exploring South Africa will be an adventure, but let's not ignore the fact that you’ll be a tourist and some areas are not considered safe. Don’t worry, I’ve only included the tourist-friendly spots.

Keep Reading...Show less
A Thank You Letter To My Dance Teachers

Here's to the women that encouraged, disciplined, and loved on me! If it wasn't for you all coaching me through out dance and throughout my life, I think I would probably be on the crazy train to what the good-golly-gee-wiz am I doing with my life?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Dating A 'Type-A' Girl

It is all worth it in the end.

10049
Dating A 'Type-A' Girl
freshmorningquotes.com

You have probably been asked before if you were a Type-A or Type-B personality. People who are considered to be "Type A" tend to be impatient, competitive and ambitious. They know exactly what they want to do and when they want to do it. Then there are people who are considered "Type B." People with Type-B personality are just all around more relaxed. There isn't much that is going to stress them out.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

This is Keanu Reeves - The One

Sandra Bullock shares her experience of Reeves and how the ones most broken from inside are the ones most willing to help others.

4607
This is Keanu Reeves - The One

Keanu Reeves is known not only for his iconic roles in films like "The Matrix" and "John Wick," but also for his kind-hearted and humble nature, which is somewhat rare in Hollywood. He's also known for his philanthropic work, although he rarely talks about it. He runs a private foundation that funds children's hospitals and cancer research. Recently, Sandra Bullock told us just how he is an amazing human being:

Keep Reading...Show less
Content Inspiration

Top 3 Response Articles of This Week

Read about the hottest summer topics!

3965
Person Reading On The Beach During The Summer
Pexels

Happy Memorial Day weekend from Odyssey! Here are the top 3 response articles of last week for your beach reading:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments