My father is one in a million...literally there is no one as funny, loving, hardworking and wonderful as my very own father.
He is a walking, talking, living, breathing example of the most ideal husband, father and friend. I mean, let's be serious, raising three girls is no easy task. But here we all stand seeking to find a man close to half the one that he is. He is the reason my standards are set as high as they are and I no longer feel bad about it.
I know this sounds kind of corny, but it is true. The older I get the more I appreciate him.
As a teenager, I used to think that embarrassing my sisters and I was his favorite pastime activity (and the bane of our existence), and for a while it definitely was but we eventually got over that and learned to laugh along with him.
He could go from being the best coach to the best cheerleader. I never was lucky enough to have him as a coach, but I was lucky enough to have him as my cheerleader at horse shows. He was the best balance to my mom.
If I was ever close to tears, he was always the first one to grab me...the man gives the best hugs (I feel like that's a dad requirement, giving great hugs). He also knows the appropriate time to make me laugh when I'm upset. He is also the first to give me a high five or grab me and pick me up with excitement when I do well or when I am successful.
He also never let me leave the house, go to bed, or really do anything without knowing how loved I was by him always.
Most importantly, I have grown up watching him love and appreciate my mother endlessly. This is admirable in so many ways. His love for her is bountiful and admirable.
If I find and fall for a man that is half the one that he is, I will feel very lucky.
