A stepdad has a difficult role; often times he wants to be involved in his stepchildren’s lives, but doesn’t want to overstep. He wants to be a good role model, but doesn’t always want to take the place of the children’s father. No one fills this challenging, yet important role better than my stepdad, Doug.

When my mom married Doug in 2013, I was thrilled for her—and for my family. It was great for my brother and me to have such a positive person in our lives who made our mom so happy. He and my father got along well, which made things even better.

When my father passed away suddenly just over a year later, everything changed. My brother and I no longer had the most important male role model in our lives. Without hesitation, Doug stepped in.

My stepdad has never tried to fill the role of my father, but he has continued to become more and more involved in both my life and my brother’s life. For the last three years, I have been amazed by the way Doug has been there for our family. He is kind, caring, loving and one of the friendliest people you could ever meet.

Doug is one of the hardest working people I know. He often works 12-hour days, yet he still finds time to drive my brother to his practices, attend every event we have and even make us dinner. And the best part? He does it all with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. Doug truly is one of the greatest people in my life.

He knew what he was signing up for when he married a woman with a then 16-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. But he didn’t care. Doug has loved us as his own children since day one, and for that I am forever grateful.

Doug: Thank you for showing me the way a woman should be treated by the way you are to my mom. Thank you for giving my brother the best example of the kind of man he should aspire to be. Thank you for being our family’s rock, and the most important man in my life. Most of all, thank you for being the best stepfather I could ask for. Happy Father’s Day!