My Dad

Everyone thinks their Dad is the best. Well, I suppose most people do. Here's my argument as to why my Dad is one of a kind. He has taught me so much. Here's to you Dad!

My Dad has been there for me from day 1. I was born premature and he would come and visit me at the hospital every day on his lunch break for months. He encouraged me to grow and I think he was the first one to believe in me. I fit inside his hand and I know his love gave me strength to keep fighting to survive.

As a small child I have many fond memories of my Dad. We watched a baby colt be born together. He taught me how to ride and instilled in me a great love of animals. He may act tough sometimes, but he has the most tender heart. He was the one to bring the sweet little mutt I grew up with home from the dog pound. He has written tributes to every animal that has passed away in our family and he has an incredible bond with horses. My kids love going to Grandpa's "farm."

I was incredibly lucky to have my Dad work from home while I was growing up. He had a dental lab above our garage and I loved going up there and chatting with him when I got home from school. He'd always be watching "The Andy Griffith Show" or "Leave It to Beaver." As a teenager I became obsessed with the O.J. Simpson case because of my Dad. We'd talk about the case every afternoon and he'd keep me up to date with what was going on with the trial. I still watch every special on the O.J. Simpson case that is on T.V. because it makes me feel close to my Dad.

My Dad has always been my biggest cheerleader. I wanted to be an actress growing up and even though I never achieved a large role in a play, he would come to every performance of every play I was ever in. When I became a cheerleader in High School, he was there at every football and basketball game. He even traveled to away games just to watch me cheer.

One of my fondest memories of my Dad was when I turned 16. I didn't have a lot of friends and boys were not interested in me as a teenager. I had nothing to do on my 16th birthday and I was really down about it. My Dad cheered me up, took me to get my drivers license,  and took me to a hypnotist show. I remember feeling so embarrassed that my Dad was "my date" on my 16th birthday. I wished I was out with some hot guy, but now I look at that tender moment with incredible gratitude for my Dad.

I have always wanted to impress my Dad, to make him proud of me. A lot of times I feel that I have absolutely failed him. We see the world differently. I believe differently than he does, but I know no matter what, even when there are times he doesn't like me, he still loves me. I know I can always go home.

Whenever people that know my Dad find out I'm his daughter they always tell me how lucky I am. He would take the shirt off his back for anyone. He has always taken in anyone that needed a roof over their head, help moving, a good meal, or just someone to talk to.

Today my Dad is the best Grandpa. He just took my kids on an RV trip to the Grand Canyon. He'll travel 9 hours to come help me out or see me whenever I need him. My kids adore him and I wish we lived closer so that I could run over to his dental lab and chat with him like we used to so many years ago.

When I moved here my Dad put his stamp of approval on the decision by telling me "my heart is shaped like Idaho." He grew up in Pocatello and Ioves this state. Maybe I can talk him into retiring here someday!

Happy Father's Day  Dad. I Love You.