Hey Daddio,

First off, I hope you're not too shaken up by the title. Don't worry, just a little Zac Brown Band reference (I promise!) I swear you're not old, you just turned 25! (Again). Any who, I love taking the time around Father's Day to reflect on your wisdom and your selfless acts. If there's anything I've always known over the course of my life, it's that you have consistently supported me in every facet of my life, something I know others do not always have the luxury of in regards to their parents. You and mom have given me the world, there is no doubt about that, and among your wittiness, our life talks, and observing your lifestyle, there's a few takeaways I'd like to share with the rest of the world.

We only get one last name, your name, and to tarnish that affects not only our own reputation, but the entire family's. Our actions will always be followed by consequences, good or bad, and it is up to our discretion to decide what would make you proud. What would disappoint you. What puts us in a positive light. You've ingrained these thoughts in our minds so that we carefully make decisions and understand that one action can have an impact on a slew of people, directly or implicitly. Your ultimate solution? Wear our hearts on our sleeve and go out and make the world a better place - no one can ever put you down for that.

It's important to look at life with a holistic perspective, and I'm grateful that you've trained us to have intelligent conversations with the human beings we interact with. To turn our backs on other opinions, points of views, or reports would undermine our character and intelligence. You've taught us to broaden our horizons and learn to ask a million questions, because the only silly question is the one that is never asked.

You have a sixth sense when it comes to reading people, something I'm pretty grateful that I inherited. We both seem to get a pretty good sense of a human being by our first interactions, mainly because we have a standard for the level of respect we should be given. Thank you for teaching me to stick to my guns in regards to knowing how I should be treated, and for the constant reminders that life is about give and take. The type of respect we convey and provide to those in our paths will reflect the same treatment we receive in return. Treat others with kindness and compassion, but if that effort is not reciprocated, do not dwell. There are other human beings who we will encounter that will provide us with the utmost joy. Thank you for teaching me to never settle.

An outgoing personality never goes out of style, thank you cards are always "in," and making other human beings feel at home is always a good idea. Maybe that's why I've been termed "Miss Mayor" wherever I go, because I watch you so effortlessly engage in conversation with people you barely know. Your employees, the clerks at the convenience store, my college friends, whoever. Your art of conversation is another trait I'm grateful I inherited, as I've found that one's day can be brightened with the simplest hello's or friendly conversations. It all goes back to the respect you display to others; you simply just expect the same in return once the initial effort is placed. A reason why I know so many humans admire you and your kind heart.

Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance, and haste definitely makes waste. These should definitely be copyrighted by now. The amount of homework assignments or projects I've had you check over that received the side eye or a suggestion to start over are probably more than I can count, and the initial frustration is ultimately trumped by these sayings. Because you were always right. The best work I put forth is always the work that is prepared, planned, and some that I am ultimately proud of, something I've taken with me in reference to many aspects of my life. Half assed anything will never get you far.

I am exactly where I am supposed to be and you always seem to know when I am battling this idea. You pick up my sensitivity like no other. You know when I am anxious and even when you know the tears are already welling up in my eyes and there is absolutely no stopping them, you are standing arms open wide prepared to give me a big bear hug to console me. You understand that ambiguity is not my strong suit and aim to have life talks on the patio to keep me excited about the next chapters of my life. You invest your heart in what makes me happiest and support me in my efforts to want to make an impact on this world and those who surround me. That drive, that ambition, and that passion is something I see exhibited in you every single day, an example I am continually grateful to have in my life.

So thank you, daddio, for continually providing me with the best lessons, the wittiest dad jokes to recite (even though I'm sure I roll my eyes at a good amount of them), your keen music taste, and your ability to talk to anything with a pulse. You are a man of wisdom and genuine heart, and I know for certain that I am not the only one who respects that with a full heart. Happy Father's Day to the very best.