What do you think of when I say "dad?" Socks with sandals? Bad jokes? Backyard BBQs? Sure, some dads may fit the stereotype, but there are many more varieties of dads out there. Regardless if your dad has the typical dad fashion or not, fathers generally are not as appreciated as mothers. So, even if you don't give your dad the appreciation he deserves, it isn't too late. This Father's Day, make the time to say a heartfelt thank you to the man who made you who you are today.

T.V. shows and movies portray dads in a certain light: working men with horrendous fashion sense, or who just don't care what anyone thinks, who love to have cookouts and make bad jokes, and who can't dance at all. That's what we all think of when we think of a dad, but they are much more than that stereotype; they are men whom many of us look up to as a role model in our lives.

He is wiser than you think.

My dad is always giving me advice, and he says the same thing every time, "You should listen to dad." Do I? Sometimes. However, more often than not, he is right about whatever he tells me. My dad is never hesitant to remind us that he's forgotten more than we've already learned. He does have a point.

Obviously, our dads have lived longer than we have, experienced more than we have, so they know a lot more about life than we do. One of the things my dad tells us time and time again is "Don't wish your life away." It's something that his dad told him. So the next time your dad tries to impart some wisdom on you or give you advice, listen to him for a change.

He works harder than you can see.

Whether your dad goes to a job every day or is a stay at home dad, he undoubtedly busts his butt to make sure everything goes smoothly. That is something I admire most about my father. Not that he gets up and goes to work each day, but how dedicated he is to his work and just how hard he works. I can only hope that one day I will work as hard as he does in whatever job I have. He inspires me to work as hard as I can at what I do, and not let anything bring me down. I've seen my dad overcome challenge after challenge, all without batting an eye. Though I only partially know what my dad does at work, I do know that whether he's at the office or at home, he does his best.

He's a pretty fun guy.

My dad does work hard, there's no doubt about that, but he knows how to have fun, too. Whether it's something small, like going to get ice cream, or something bigger, like getting a go-cart to just mess around with, dads have a fun side. My dad is always down for a movie or getting ice cream. He's the one who taught me how to fish and drive a boat when I was younger. He loves the Ripley's Believe It Or Not museums whenever we go places. He enjoys bonfires, too. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the point. Once you get past the dad jokes, dads can be pretty fun to be around.

My dad does so much for me and our family, and I know he can't be the only dad this amazing. Dads are the glue that holds our families together, and I don't know where we would be without them. These terrific men should get the recognition they deserve. Whether you are closer to your mom or your dad, your dad has undoubtedly had a large impact on your life. I know mine has.

Maybe your dad is the stereotypical dad you see on TV, but maybe he is the polar opposite. Either way, take a moment to tell him how much you love him and make sure to say thank you. So, thank you, Dad, for everything you have done and continue to do for me each and every day. I am so blessed with a wonderful role model and friend.