Dear Dad,

As promised, here is your more than deserved article. While yes, mom is the best, no one could have raised three kids as she did without the unwavering support of someone equally as strong, earnest, and loving.

It is no secret that you were (and still are) my personal superhero. In my eyes, you could do no wrong. You taught me how to play basketball better than all the boys and gave me long talks after every volleyball game in order to help me reach my potential. But the greatest gift you have granted me extends far beyond the sidelines of a volleyball court. You are the human embodiment of love in it's purest form.

You serve as a model and an expectation for what love should look and act like. You go beyond providing for your family, regardless of how many hours of work that requires you. You always greet Mom with a kiss and you consistently show me what an honorable and genuinely good man looks like. I know what I deserve because of the respect and love you constantly show Mom. And I know that there is no man in the world that could ever live up to this expectation, because, as I said, you've always been my personal superhero.

The sincere compassion you shamelessly possess extends the realm of your love. The random, "How are you doing?"'s and "Are you doing okay? Do you need anything?" reiterate your generosity and genuine care for your children. You are strong and brave, but unafraid to express your emotions.

You've always been the more relaxed one and handled teaching your kids how to drive with grace and a level head (most of the time). You're my first call when I don't know how to do something like changing a tire or have a school-related question, and you are always ready to help. You definitely don't get the appreciation you deserve, and I apologize for that.

All I can say is thank you. Thank you for supporting my dreams (no matter how crazy), for always listening to my side of the story and attempting to understand, and for all the probably unknowingly perfectly-timed hugs when I need them the most. Thank you for showing me how a man should treat me. Thank you for encouraging me to be independent and trusting my judgment. Thank you for passing down your great taste in music and raising me on the legends. And thank you for being my first call always.

Having you as a dad makes me the luckiest girl in the world.

Love,

The Girl that Holds the World in a Paper Cup