Dear Stay-at-Home Dad,

I can never know or understand how much you did for me throughout the years. I can never imagine the comments and stares you endured from those who believe in the traditional family when you were the one dropping me off, picking me up and attending all my events instead of Mom. I can never understand the frustration and loneliness you felt when you stopped working and were suddenly spending all your time at home or at school events. I can never understand the times you had to explain to people why you were the stay-at-home parent instead of Mom.

You have always been there to guide and assist me, whether it was 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. You were my right-hand man growing up. You were the one that made me breakfast in the morning, packed my lunch and made sure I was up for school on time. You made sure there was food for me to eat after my late practices.

You came to every sporting event, whether it was at home or hours away. In middle school, you were even my track coach! I would see you at lunch in middle school when you worked as a lunch lady there. Then, in high school, I would catch you sometimes in the office or with my counselor just to say hello to them and to deliver them little treats to brighten their days.

When I got my driver's license you made me text you every day when I got to school. When I forgot to text you (which was more frequent than it should have been), you would message me to verify that I made it safely. I will never forget when you drove to my high school and called me down to the office because I hadn't texted you and I wasn't answering my phone, so you were concerned.

Although I got annoyed with how much you were always around and cared, I appreciate it. You were there whenever and wherever I needed you. Most importantly, you were there to tell me you love me every morning and night.

And none of that has changed since I entered college. Although you can no longer say it in person, you still text me good morning and good night every day. Whenever you are near Oxford, you ALWAYS stop by to either take me out for food or bring me food from home. You are always available to bring me my prescriptions, even though it's a 40-minute drive there and back.

We drive each other crazy, though. A lot. We spent so much time together when I was growing up because Mom was always gone for her job that sometimes it felt like you were an only parent. We did everything together: the good, the bad and the ugly. You were the one that was always there, whether that was a good or bad thing.

But I wouldn't trade you for the world. Even though there were many nights when we went to bed after not talking for hours, you still texted me that you loved me that night and the following morning. You and Mom dealt with the criticisms of our non-traditional family as they came and shielded me from that my entire life. Thank you for everything you did and sacrificed for me to be my stay-at-home dad.