My dad was my first true love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. From the day I was born, he’s been the No. 1 man in my life. He’s taught me everything; from riding a bike, to changing the oil in my car. I know that every person wants to claim, “my dad is the best dad ever”, but if they’re saying that, then they obviously haven’t met mine. My most important supporter and my biggest hero are the same person, and I don’t think you could ask for much more than that.
He fixes the unfixable. Whether my tire is flat or I’m crying over some drama at school, my dad is always there. He never fails to get the job done as my mechanic, and always gives me a reliable shoulder to cry on. His hugs are endless. Growing up, I found myself feeling so accomplished when I got bigger and I could say, “Daddy, I can finally wrap my arms all the way around you,” to which he would laugh and hug me even tighter.
I took every opportunity I possibly could to ride in the front seat of his big red truck. Every winter he would hook up his snow plow to go clear up the streets, and I hoped with all my heart he would ask if I wanted to ride with. There was something magical about that truck. It was so high off the ground that a little girl like me felt as if she could fly, and she had no worries about landing, because she knew her dad would keep her safe.
As I grow older, I know my attitude increases from time to time, and sometimes he wants nothing more than to lock me in my room for a few hours. He loves me through every mood swing, every temper tantrum, and every complaint I throw his way. He’s always happy, and even when he isn’t, he makes my brothers and I believe that he is. Waking up in the mornings to hear him whistling in the kitchen is my favorite sound in the entire world. Anytime a curse word comes out of my mouth, he gives me the look that instantly make me regret saying it, and I know I won’t get away with it next time.
He taught me to love endlessly. He taught me that no matter how old you are, you can still give your mom a kiss and say “I love you” before you leave. He taught me to respect myself, and to make sure that I don’t let anyone stand above me and make me feel small. He taught me that you never go to sleep at night without telling the ones you love “goodnight”, and always giving them a quick kiss on the cheek. He tells me if he doesn’t approve of the people I’ve been spending time with, and I follow what he says and usually, he’s right. When I do have friends over, he treats them like another one of his children, making sure that they always feel at home.
He’s been my best friend, along with my worst enemy from time to time, but nothing will ever replace the love that I have for him. My dad was my first true love, not only because he is kind, funny, and always there when I need him, but because he taught me the most important lesson I’ve learned so far: no matter what happens in life, and no matter where I go, I will always have a warm, loving heart to come home to.
