I have always been a Momma’s girl. My mother told me when I was little that my father questioned whether I liked him or not because I was so attached to her. However, this is not about my mother, It is about the eternal gratitude I have for the father who loves me unconditionally.

My relationship with my father is very different from my relationship with my mother. It is unique. It is a loving and blessed relationship that God set up for us to have.

My dad is a big, cuddly Teddy Bear. Whenever I get cold or just need comfort his warming arms are the only ones I want to be in. He is the most faith-filled person I know whether it be to his family, his religion, his friends, or his work. He dedicates himself completely to whatever he is doing. My dad has a passion for many things, but nothing beats talking to him about his favorite football team, the Denver Broncos or politics. My father is compassionate and kind. He has natural charisma that lights up any room he walks into. His confident smile instantly eases any tension and his calm demeanor can be the solution to about any problem I may ever have. He takes pride in his Irish background and Saint Patrick’s Day is certainly one of the most important days in our household.

No one has pushed me to follow my dreams more than my dad. He has been at my side through a very challenging academic career in which he encouraged me to keep going when I felt like giving up. He encourages me to pursue what I am passionate about whether it be reading books or a future law career.

Whenever I am in need of a laugh, my dad is the one to go to. He gets this boyish grin every time he cracks a joke and I know he feels satisfaction when laughter and smiles pop up on my family’s faces.

His presence is extremely important to me at my life milestones. My dad taught me how to ride a bike. As soon as he let go of the handle bars and told me to keep pumping, I crashed right into the rose bushes in the neighbor’s yard. He was the one who taught me how to drive and was the one cheering the loudest at my high school graduation. My father was the one who handed me communion at my First Communion, a big deal for any child raised in the Catholic Church.

The most important thing he has taught me about is about the beautiful faith we both share. No one has taught me more about the Catholic Faith then my own father. He has answered every single question I may have about our faith with the utmost confidence. He has taught me that my faith is the most important thing I have in my life. My dad taught me God will always be there for me and will love me no matter what I have done or will do. He has taught me that if you have a little faith, especially in God, anything is possible!

Thank you, Dad, for all the sacrifices you have made and for everything you have done for me as a father!

I Love You, Daddy!

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers out there! May your day be filled with many blessings!