Responsibility doesn't end at conception, it takes courage to raise a child

Never have I ever had to question what it was like to live without a father. And I can thank my dad for that, not that there was ever a question that he wouldn't stay. Did I think it sucked to write that spelling word I got wrong five times more until I got it right? Of course. But I don't think my life would be the same without my devoted, caring, sympathetic, enthusiastic, funny, witty daddy.

He was the one I could call for at night when I had nightmares to assure me the monsters were gone. And he was the one I could ask for math help from. He was the one who helped me question teachers when I knew I was right and how to respect adults because they are older and wiser. He attempted to teach me how to ride a bike and sat in the passenger's seat white knuckling the dash board while I haphazardly drove around parking lots learning to drive. He taught me the value of a dollar and hard work, and was there to see me earn first paychecks and lease my own car. He stood by me when a date didn't show up and hugged me when the bullies surrounded me. He saw me off to two years of college and welcomed me home for two summers. He helped me foster my writing and encouraged my humor.

I love you dad. I love you for all that you have given me, and all that you have sacrificed for me. Every day is your day to shine in the parenting department, God Bless you.