There are many kinds of dads out there. There are the gentle ones, the loving ones, the overprotective ones, and then there are the tough ones. You know who they are. Let's thank them, no one ever seems to want to do that.
1. Thank you for teaching me to speak up.
I'm sure it happens, but I've never really seen anyone tell my dad no (except my mom, which he then of course backs down immediately). Growing up, I remember watching him state his case and point clearly, and it's hard to tell someone who makes a completely logical statement no. It's a quality that I've come to possess in myself, and I'm thankful for that. You can tell me no, but you won't do so without listening to everything I have to say. That being said, I usually have a LOT to say.
2. Thank you for helping me steer clear of the bad guys.
Have you ever seen someone threaten to melt someone's face off? I have. He was of course being sarcastic (I think), but his face said very clearly: touch her, I kill you. I think that speaks for itself, thanks dad.
3. Thank you for being blunt.
One thing is for sure, I always know where I stand with my dad. If I mess up, I know it. However, he also doesn't try and speak in loving metaphors that made me think I was going to marry Prince Charming one day. He is always realistic and logical which has helped me get through college. His truthful words were hard to hear sometimes, but it made me a better person when he told me that the world would be my oyster, only if I worked hard for it. Nothing is going to be given to me, and life is going to be tough sometimes. His rough words taught me this well.
4. Thank you for making me stubborn.
While being stubborn is not something most people think is good, it has its perks. I've become resilient and strong willed. I know what I believe and I believe it. When my mind is made, it's laughable to see someone try and change it. I know to listen to and respect the opinions others, have but I also know that my opinion is my own, and it doesn't have to be the same as everyone else's.
5. Thank you for teaching me about a bullet down range.
A bullet down range has been fired. The trigger has been pulled and you can't turn back now. My dad taught me to never worry about something that can no longer be controlled. If you do, you'll spend your life worrying about what if's and could have beens. My dad taught me that life is full of opportunity and education, just keep looking forward and fire your next bullet. Eventually it'll hit where you want it to go.
6. Thank you for the tough love.
Our relationship isn't full of rainbows and butterflies. You and I have the same personality, we're stubborn and honest to a fault sometimes. One thing has always been true, though, I knew that you loved me. When you refused to baby me or turn me into a pampered princess, it used to make me mad. Now, as I sit here in my apartment in college I could not be more thankful. I know how to stand up and get stuff done. I'm turning into a true adult who isn't going to be blind-sided by the real world. You exposed me to the real world from day one and I'm going to work hard to show you the strong, successful woman you have helped raise.
On that note, tough love isn't sentimental. So this is the part where I tell you I love you, but I'm just going to let that be implied. You're the bomb, dad.
