Happy Father's Day.

Today is a day that we put aside to celebrate all of the fathers in the world. Yes, they may be silly consumer holidays, but it gives me an excuse to reflect upon my dad. Even though I do this often enough, I am grateful to be able to have an excuse to share this with the world.

My dad has taught me some of the greatest lessons on what being a man really means. Even as I type this, I can't help but to cry... Because my dad will never know just how grateful I am that he was placed in my life. It has been a long and often difficult road to where we are now, but I thank Heavenly Father every day that life turned out the way it did and that I am able to have one of the most incredible human beings I have ever met to call my own.

Dad has instilled in me traits that I am eternally grateful for. He showed me how to love this incredible earth we have been given, how to enjoy it and treat it with care. He showed me how to fix my car, how to love getting grease under my fingernails,. He showed me how to embrace the less-girly side of me, how to endure through situations that at times fell like they would never end, how to have faith even in hard times. He showed me how to love someone unconditionally by the way he loves my mom. He showed me that it is possible to come into someone's life and eventually change them for the better. He showed me how to be strong and overcome adversity. He showed me that being a father means being there for your child, always pushing them to be the best they can be. No, Dad is not a perfect human being (which none of us are), but he is the perfect dad for me.

As I write this, I am reminded of the Backstreet Boys song "The Perfect Fan". It was written about moms, but I am going to tweak the lyrics a little bit...

"It takes a lot to know what is love. It's not the big things but the little things that can mean enough. A lot of prayers to get me through, and there is never a day that passes by I don't think of you. You were always there for me, pushing me and guiding me always to succeed. 

You showed me when I was young just how to grow. You showed me everything that I should know. You showed me just how to walk without your hands. 'Cause, Mom and Dad, you always were the perfect fans.

God has been so good blessing me with the family who did all they could. And I've had many years of Grace, and it flatters me when I see a smile on your face. I wanna thank you for what you've done in hopes I can give back to you and be the perfect daughter. 

You showed me how to love, you showed me how to care, and showed me that you would always be there. I wanna thank you for the time, and I'm proud to say you're mine." 

I have so many stories I could tell, so many things I could say, but I feel that words do not do any justice to how I truly feel on this Father's day. My dad is incredible, and because of his presence in my life, I am who I am today.

Dad, I love you sooooo very much. Times haven't always been easy, but the relationship we have now is worth all of the struggles. I am proud of you and who you have become. I look forward to the fact that I get to celebrate you being my dad for the rest of eternity :) I am so excited to come home and be able to spend time with you and Mom. You are the best parents I ever could have asked for.

Click HERE for another one of my favorite songs.

Happy Father's Day, everybody.