I grew up listening to my dad's stories. He would always tell me and my older siblings about his adventurous childhood and upbeat life experiences, and they were some of the best stories I've ever heard. I have many of them memorized, and I will probably end up telling them to my children one day. They'll be able to hear about the time my dad caught two thefts when he was just a kid, or about the times he withstood terrible hurricanes and storms.

I'll also tell them stories about my dad that he has never told before. I'll tell them about how my dad gave other's hope, and I'll tell them about how I witnessed him come to the rescue of other's, and about how he always put the happiness of others before his own. I'll be able to tell them about all of the times I witnessed his altruism, determination, and generosity.

I am extremely lucky to have such an amazing role model in my life. With almost everything he does, he inspires me to be a better person. Not only is he my hero, but he's other people's hero too. I don't think I will ever be able to thank him enough for everything he has given and taught me throughout the past 21 years, but here's a start:

Thank you for always being there when I need you

Any time I have been heartbroken or stuck in the middle of drama, you're always there to help me handle it and give me the advice I need. And somehow your advice is always spot on...

Thank you for teaching me how to be helpful and giving

You're always there to help others through health or financial crises; I've even heard stories of you saving other's lives. This past Christmas you helped a single mother provide for her daughter, and there were several Thanksgivings when you wanted to include as many people as possible (even if it meant you had to work extra hard to make all of that yummy food). Whenever I need help building something, fixing something, or getting something done, I can always rely on you to lend a helping hand. Without a doubt, you are one of the most helpful people I know, and I can only hope to impact the lives of others the way I've seen you do!

Thank you for teaching me how to cook

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be able to make pancakes from scratch without using any directions. Thank you for that.

Thank you for showing me how to love animals

You may try to hide it in front of mom, but I always knew you were secretly excited when one of us would bring home a "surprise" pet! I am not at all angry about the fact that I have your animal-lover gene.

Thank you for showing me how to appreciate the outdoors

I can't imagine what my childhood would have been like if I hadn't of had you to show me all of the great walking trails behind our house, or how to make a lean-to out of wood.

Thank you for teaching me how to be a hard worker

You worked so hard in life to get to where you are, and I am so thankful to have an example like you to constantly look up to!

Thank you for showing me what real love looks like

The love you show mom is so beautiful. I know that in the future I will never settle for less than the love you have given mom all of these years.

Thank you for always supporting me

Whether it was cheerleading, college, or any big move I was about to make, I always knew I had tournaments support! It is a great feeling to know that in the future I will always have your support to lean on.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally

No matter how angry I have made you, you never stoped showing your love for me. Thank you so much, dad! I love you.