Dear Dad, (and every other cool father out there like you),

I take you for granted. Mother’s day was a big thing, my present made her cry, and I watched as you took photos with a smile on your face probably cracking a joke that Mom wasn’t your Mother. Father’s day, obviously we recognize you for your day but I don’t think anyone realizes what a Dad can truly do for you, or what you are to me.

We fight, we don’t always get along, we have opposing opinions, on life, on politics, on just about anything. But that’s what I love about you. You’re so smart and never stop putting up a fight. You’re courageous and determined and always know what to say (even when I don’t want to agree with it).

You’re a kick ass man. You workout everyday, eat healthier than I could ever attempt at doing, and all the while you make sure I’m living the best life I can. You’re the reason I’m in college, the reason I probably didn’t fail out of calculus, the reason I graduated high school with a higher GPA than a lot of my classmates. You push, man you push hard. When I tell you I got a 99 you ask me what happened to the other point, because you know I can always do better.

You’re so incredibly supportive. When I explained to you that I wanted to go into writing I didn’t hear the typical “what job are you going to get out of that.” You share all my articles and have a smile on your face when I tell you about the 1,000th interview I had for yet another editing job. You attended all my swim meets you could, my award ceremonies, my silly poetry slams. You stood behind me on my hardest days, hearing me out, and listening better than anyone else could.

I appreciate even the smallest things like your ability to subsidize my bad shopping habits and horrible flute playing. I may not have always been the easiest child, neither are my siblings, but I hope you know you will never go unnoticed.

Truth be told, sometimes you piss me off, and sometimes I piss you off but I love you and your weird half hugs, sarcastic comments, and Dad jokes.

I’m forever thankful for you chasing me around the basement singing “Rock Lobster” to us, all the sailing trips, for teaching me how to drive (especially on the highway), and everything you do.

P.S Whenever I say “I’m Tired” and you say “I’m Dad, nice to meet you” those never get old.

Love you always,

Your occasionally misbehaved but lovable kid