Of course, I have always loved and leaned on my parents, but something about being away at college makes you appreciate back home a little more. Not only for the stocked fridge and super clean bathrooms but also for the laughs and the comfort of being around people you love.

While my mom is my best friend and my little brother is my better half, my relationship with my dad is extra special. To others, he is a great coach, a cool teacher, a nice neighbor, a loyal son and a loving brother. To me, he is a superhero. And to him, I am daddy's little girl.

There are so many things I need to thank him for.

1. Keeping me grounded. With you, I will never forget my small-town roots and what makes me me.

2. Telling stories that make me laugh until I cry. The older I get, the funnier they are.

3. Teaching me about the game I love. You've given me a career path, a hobby and amazing experiences just by teaching me about baseball. Now I can even thank you for making me a Mets fan.

4. Driving me and my stuff to and from school. Move-in and move-out days, lost keys, car accidents...

5. Letting me drive your truck because you know I love it. I don't know too many dads who let their daughters drive their pick-up trucks.

6. Teaching me some of the most important life lessons. In every aspect of your life, you exude wisdom that I couldn't get from anywhere else. Some of the ones I hold closest came up in casual conversation.

7. Welcoming my friends with open arms and multiple jokes. You've become a wonderful fatherly figure to many of my friends, and I thank you for that.

8. Holding conversation with the boys I have brought home, whether you approve or not.

9. Making my workouts for me so I don't look like an idiot at the gym. Sometimes I need to look up what the heck you're talking about, but once I figure it out I actually look like I know what I'm doing.

10. Not taking it personally when I snap at you post-work, pre-snack. I mean, where do you think I get that from?

11. Letting me wear your slightly-worn hats. Emphasis on "slightly."

12. Exchanging subtle glances and giggles with me at the dinner table.

13. Sharing the love of peanut butter and chocolate ice cream with me. If it weren't for you, it wouldn't be in the house. Then again, if it weren't for you, I could have it all to myself...

14. Not getting too mad when I sit in your recliner. It's way too comfortable to give up as soon as you walk in the door.

15. Coaching me at every opportunity you got. Being able to share those memories with you is something I will always cherish.

16. Trying to help me with my homework in the midst of a mental breakdown. You didn't know anything more about physics than I did, but you tried.

17. Doing my hair for me when I was little and mom was at work. The headbands usually matched my outfits, too. Also, thank you for saying you like my hair after I go to the hairdresser, even if you can't tell the difference.

18. Giving the best hugs. Nothing makes me feel safer or more loved than your hugs.

19. Passing along ways to pick on my siblings (and you and mom). So many annoying tricks up my sleeve...

20. Being totally honest with me when you ask, "you're going out like that?" Most of the time I still do, but sometimes I need to hear that my hair looks as bad as I think it does.

21. Finding a way to destress me during finals week. Sometimes just with a goodnight text.

22. Throwing me "likes" on my Instagram and Facebook pictures. I can always count on at least one like, right?

23. Supporting everything I do. Everything.

24. Driving me to my friends' houses before I could drive myself. No where was too far for us, but some places were kind of inconvenient.

25. Listening to mom and I talk about shopping, celebrity gossip, hair and makeup like you kind of care.

26. Treating mom with respect and love every day. #relationshipgoals

27. Giving me your (sometimes immature) sense of humor. Life is more fun when you laugh at stupid humor.

28. Coming to the rescue. You're there in any situation, no matter the distance, at any time.

29. Grilling the burgers, chicken and hot dogs whenever we get the craving. Summer meals are always my favorite.

30. Making calzones as big as your biceps. Peppers or no peppers, they are delicious.

31. Representing my university, and always accepting new gear from the bookstore. Go Bonnies!

32. Reminding me how proud you are of me whenever you get the chance.

33. Keeping the silly keychain I made you in preschool. That thing has been in so many cars and barely has any color left, but I love that you still have it.

34. Fixing anything and everything in the house. I am lost when it comes to fixing things on my own because I could always count on you at home.

35. Everything. More "thank you's" will come as time goes on, so, for now, thank you for everything you do for me and our family.

Happy 50th birthday, Dad. I love you.