I know a man who wakes up before the crack of dawn and gets to work before 5:30 a.m. because he has so much to do. A man who has worked every Saturday for years, even on the nicest of days. A man who never takes the day off when he’s sick, for he knows he needs to get the job done. Who’s beyond exhausted by the end of the day from working so hard?

I know a man who puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Who demonstrates to those around him what hard work really entails. That sometimes you have to do things you rather not do to achieve the goal.

I know a man who refuses to let anyone work harder than him. The guy who gives it all he’s got, no matter what the odds are. Life throws so many curve balls at him, and yet he still steps up to the plate with all the strength he can muster and he swings until he comes up with a home run. Time and time again, he’s going to strike out but he steps back up to the plate. And when he hits a double, he stands up at second base, wipes the dust off his hands and takes in the view around him. It’s not always about the top of the mountain but the view along the way as well.

I know a man who teaches his kids life lessons many won’t know until it’s too late. In doing so, he sits back and hopes that they won’t make the same mistakes he did. And if they do, they’ll use his knowledge and advice to pick themselves up and trudge on. Who tells his kids that you have to give it your all or nothing at all. That life is not about how much you make or what people think of you but rather living it to the fullest. Life doesn’t have a price tag. You only live once and you have to make yourself happy.

I know a man who’s taught his kids to always do the right thing. It may not be what they want to do or what anyone else around them seems to be doing but it’s what needs to be done. That strength is standing alone during the darkest days. In the end, doing the right thing will always feel better than anything else.

I know a man who is an absolute fighter and refuses to let the bad times outweigh the good. And although bad days are likely to happen a lot, he always pushes on knowing a good day is on its way. Life happens, and he knows that you can’t win them all but failing isn’t losing; it’s giving up.

I know a man who started his own company and has spent the last 10 years getting it all rolling. Who’s told his daughter that if you want to get something done right, you have to do it yourself sometimes. And that sure people can seem smarter but you can’t let anyone work harder than you. Success comes from spending years working on the career you love.

I know a man who puts his family first. Who will do anything to make his family happy. A man who calls Sunday family day and takes his family bike riding or hiking for miles just to enjoy the smiles.

I know a man who refuses to let anyone pay for him because that’s how he was taught. A man who knows respect and kindness better than anyone else around him and gives onto others like no tomorrow.

I know a man who likes to give back to the community and those around him just because he wants to. Not because he can say he did so but because he simply wants to. A man who does things because he remembers where he came from. A man who never takes the credit because he doesn’t want it. That giving onto others isn’t to expect anything in return. You do it because you want to.

There’s a man out there that’s such an inspiration to those around him.

And I’m honored to call him my dad.