Dads are the apples of their daughters' eyes. They pick you up when you fall down, fix things that break (his daughter's heart included), and provide you with a credit card to use only in the event of an emergency, i.e. new shoes or a really cute outfit. While some people weren’t blessed enough to have such a strong influence in their lives, I was more than blessed to not only be given an unbelievable mother, but an incredible father as well. My dad, like many dads, has been the biggest light to ever shine in my life. I have more love for my mother and father than I ever thought I could. Your parents stand by you through both the two year-old and teenage temper tantrums, and somehow they still love you. My dad has been my biggest role model and best friend. He taught me many things such as: how to ride a bike, how to throw a softball, how to dance, and how to drive. But sometimes I find that my dad, like many, doesn’t realize the important life lessons he has taught me along the way. The unspoken life lessons that may or may not be more important than knowing how to ride a bike.
1. Be the Best at Whatever You Do
No one starts out at the top, and if they do, they don’t know how to handle it up there. My dad taught me that hard work is the only way to ever get better at anything in life, whether it be a job, a spouse, or riding a bike. So whether you chose to be a janitor or a CEO, do your absolute best, no matter what. He taught me that nothing in life is ever handed to you, and if it is, you probably don’t want it.
2. Crying is Perfectly Okay
Although he might kill me for putting this in my article, my dad has taught me that crying is okay. To show emotion is completely fine. My dad, although he may not admit it, has a huge heart that he loves to share. Whether it be at homecoming military videos or an ESPN special, it never fails to teach me how being emotional is not a weakness but rather a gift. A gift that many people try to deny or hide.
3. How to Be Treated
Being that he was the first guy I have ever loved, my dad has taught me how I should be treated. Maybe this isn’t a good thing, seeing that I am treated completely like a princess by my dad, but he has taught me to never take less than what I deserve. My dad shows me what I am worth, and because of that I dare anyone to try to tell me differently.
4. To Admit When You’re Wrong
My dad is good at arguing -- ask anyone who knows him. I am equally good at arguing, however, one thing my dad has reluctantly taught me is that 50 percent of the time you’re wrong. Whether you want to admit it or not, sometimes you are wrong and the other person knows it. He always told me that it was better to admit to being wrong than it is to be perceived as a quarrelsome person with no sense.
5. How to Love Someone Unconditionally
My dad looks at my mom the way I dream to be looked at one day. 20 years has nothing on them. My dad has shown me what it is like to love someone so purely and completely. My dad would do anything for my mom and me, and that’s something you see less and less these days. He has never let me forget how much he loves me. Through his “I love you's” before he leaves every day or by his hugs when he knows I need it. He shows me what to love someone looks like -- the greatest lesson I have ever been taught.
A thank you to all dads out there for teaching their daughters what a man should look like. To my dad, well just because I am leaving you soon doesn’t mean I’ll need you any less. Simply stated, there’s no one else in this world I would rather call my dad.
