It's not easy being a stepparent. It's not easy to come into a family and immediately begin parenting a child you weren't a part of raising for the first few years of her life. It's not easy, but it is possible. It's possible for sure- especially when it's my dad. My dad took the most out of what he was given and made it a wonderful thing. He has been a part of my life since I was very little and married my mom when I was 6. Since then, he has been my dad, my protector, and my personal counselor (at times). And while there have been ups and downs for the past 16 years, my stepdad will always be my dad.

My biological dad was never a part of my life and he passed away before he could even try to be- the only thing he really did for me was give me a half sister. (Love you, Kelsey.) While I'm sad that I will never know my real father, I am grateful to have the man who I consider my father, because I would not be the woman I am today without him.

My stepdad ( who from this point on will be referred to as my dad) has done more for me than most biological fathers do for their daughters. He has come to every school event, soccer game, softball game, band concert, and halftime show. He came to every award ceremony, every graduation, and actively helped my mom host every birthday party- even when that meant keeping track of a ton of 12-year-olds at Pump-It-Up. I only have one real memory of him not being in my life, and that's from kindergarten when my teacher asked us to draw a picture of our family. I did, but at the time it was just me and my mom, and I drew a dad in my picture. My teacher asked about it and I said that I wanted to be like other kids. I really wanted a dad, and almost right after that happened, my dad came along. He asked my mom on their first date where I wanted to go, which says a lot about his character. My dad is an incredibly giving, selfless person who, when asked, will do just about anything for just about anyone. He has stayed up into the late hours of the night, counseling me through my middle school "break-ups", friend drama, and failed exams. He has patiently waited on me to get out of band practices and Girl Scout meetings. He has been there when it felt like I had no one else.

He introduced me to football and 80s music, which are a huge part of my family. He encouraged me to play sports, which I failed at, but he always cheered me on. He taught me some of the greatest lessons I have ever learned, even if I had to make my own mistakes to really see that he was right. He helped me get through so many homework assignments and confusing math classes, and he got me around campus when I got to college. He got me ready for my junior prom when my mom couldn't be there and took pictures for us too. He cooked dinner almost every night and never complained about it (as long as we cleaned up afterward). He did a lot of things I could mention, but I choose to keep those in my heart.

Now that I'm in college, I don't see him as often, but I know that when I need him I can always go to him just like I always have. I'm grateful that he has shown me how a man should treat a woman, as that has saved me many heartbreaks and failed relationships. I'm thankful to him for loving my mom the way she deserves to be loved, and for giving me three of the most incredible, crazy little siblings who I wouldn't change for the world. I'm grateful that he loves me enough to have adopted me on April 18, 2008, and I'm also grateful he sees that day as a reason to go on a daddy/daughter date every year to celebrate. He gave me a family. A real, tight-knit, loving family who accepts me for me. They are my backbone and I love each and every one of them with my whole heart. He's the reason I get to call them my family. He has always given me all he can and I honestly couldn't ask for a better life.

So here's to you, Dad. Thank you for showing me what unconditional fatherly love feels like and thank you for all the countless hours of advice, life lessons, and "lectures". I'm beginning to realize that you have been right about everything. ;-) Thank you for loving me the way you love my siblings and never treating me any differently than you treat them. I'm blessed to call you my dad. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you!