I was three years old the first time I fell in love.
The man who stole my heart was stronger than Hercules, more handsome than Prince Charming, and smarter than any other man in the whole wide world.
He was my daddy.
I know they say that the most important man in a girl's life is her dad and I am no exception. I'm pretty sure I was born a daddy's girl because my dad says I didn't open my eyes after birth until the doctor laid me in his arms.
Growing up, it was obvious to me that I had scored big in the dad department. My dad was always there for me.
He attended every "Donuts for Dads" day at school and came to every recital, program, ceremony, and pageant I was in. He took me fishing, four-wheeling, and coached my softball team. He taught me everything from riding a bike to changing rotors and tires on a car.
In October, he carved pumpkins with me and walked me around the neighborhood to get candy. The day after Thanksgiving, he would get the Christmas tree down from the attic to decorate and he'd always hang up icicle lights outside. As a family, we would watch holiday movies and drink hot chocolate. I was a very lucky little girl.
However, my dad wasn't just there for the good times. He had my back through rough periods in my life, too.
When I was being bullied at school, my dad was there, planted in the principal's office, because no one was going to mess with his "Peanut."
When I was dealing with a heavy depression, he and my mom both did everything they could to help me feel better. They gave me their support and never gave up on me.
The summer before I started high school, I had a cancer scare and I had to see an oncologist at the Children's Hospital in Columbia. Dad drove me to every appointment and assured me that no matter what it took, he would make sure I got better.
At seventeen, I became a pregnant teenager and my dad was still there for me. One day after school, I was so upset because kids wouldn't stop saying things about me, calling me names, and spreading rumors behind my back. My dad drove me to Sweet Frog and let me vent. He assured me that my son and I would be fine and that when I was successful, I wouldn't even remember the names of those kids.
Even now, my dad is one of my best friends and still the most important man in my life. The relationship I have with him is priceless and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Not only is he an amazing dad, but he's an incredible granddaddy, too.
When I see him play with my son, Isaac, my heart swells. He's always reading him stories, watching Elmo with him, and sneaking him bites of Jello and cookies. He already talks about taking him fishing and teaching him how to work on cars. My dad is the best role model I could ever hope for my young son. He is kind, funny, smart, and the most hardworking man I have known.
August 23, 2016 will be the day my dad celebrates his 42nd birthday. That is forty-two years he has spent on this Earth, enhancing people's lives. He has especially enhanced the lives of his family and we are so blessed to have him.
Dad, thank you for everything you do for our family. I can not tell you enough how much it means to us. You are still stronger than Hercules, more handsome than Prince Charming, and smarter than any man I have ever known. I hope you have the best birthday ever!
Love, Peanut.
