There are 44.5 miles between my father's house and mine. During this past school year, an additional 20.3 miles is between us. To see me graduate and get my class ring- which happened on two separate days- he got a room at a hotel and stayed there overnight. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad, and when I saw him at my ring ceremony, the tears in my eyes showed it, but the idea of father's day isn't just about the biology for me. It is about more than just the DNA I have; it's also the bond I have. It is more than just the genes I have. It is the people I can rely on.

I went to a residential high school named Milton Hershey School. There we had houseparents that sort out on the downfalls of our upbringing. For me, father's day is an attribution to the founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey. I thank them for their contribution to my life.

For me, father's day is also for the figures in my life that taught me lessons that had my father not been so far away, would have taught me. It is for my foster father who talked me through my first accident. It is for my foster mom who taught me about putting air in my tires.

It's for my sister who gave my boyfriend the "I'll kill you if you hurt her" speech when she first met him. It's for all my teachers that didn't let me just give up after a tough time. Father's day is about every lesson any one has taught me because they have been instrumental to my growth.

Father's Day is also for my father because he helps me reinforce every lesson he missed teaching me. For my little brother, my older sister and I, we love my dad regardless because he is the one that does what he can. My dad, with what he able to do, has done great things being my dad and trying to be a role model for me. It is for him because he tries and that is all that matters to me!