My dad is honestly the absolute best person I know.
Growing up, I will admit, I was kind of embarrassed by him. Just how he acted, his jokes, basically everything about him was just embarrassing. Obviously, I know that he did, in fact, try to embarrass me. But looking back, I know that without a doubt I would not be who I am or where I am today without having my dad by my side.
Thank you for supporting me.
You have fought for me. Even when I didn't realize you were fighting for me and the times I didn't know I needed someone to fight for me, you were on my side.
Thank you for allowing me to fail.
Sure, it would have been easier to just tell me I was about to make a dumb choice, but you let me learn on my own. You gave me the chance to mess up and never once said "I told you so."
Thank you for showing up.
Every swim meet, every dance recital, every voice recital, every school play, every choir performance - you were there.
Thank you for taking pictures.
I didn't want them, honestly still don't want them, but I know that one day I will and thanks to you I'll have more than enough.
Thank you for letting me get mad.
It's so awkward to say this, but you letting me get mad at you, yell at you, fight with you really helped me realize that anger is not an emotion I know how to deal with. It's uncomfortable for me to feel it and express it, so thank you for helping learn how to be mad about things(?).
Thank you for letting me cry.
I know you probably hated it, knowing that I was most likely crying in my room or in the shower but thank you. Thank you for letting me know that it's okay to have emotions and express them, but most of all just thanks for allowing it to happen and always offering your shoulder for me to cry on.
Thank you for the terrible jokes.
Let's be honest, I laugh at all of them so are they really that bad?
Thank you for loving me well.
"As a father who shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." Psalm 103:13
You have been gracious, kind, forgiving, uplifting, and always loving. You have never failed to show me love and compassion. You have prayed over me and fought for me. You have been the most perfect Earthly father because you have shown me the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
I say it a lot and it's because I mean it, my dad is the best dad.