Father's Day.

My father. He picks up my nephews when he gets out of work to make sure they do their homework and have dinner. He takes them/coaches their sporting events and encourages them to always do their best, just like he did with his own kids. While his family is his number one priority, he's also a union man, and fights for health care benefits for employees and retirees.

I've always thought I was more like my mother than my father. But the truth is, I never knew my father until my mother got sick. Our talks were always short, but I always knew he was there. He never missed a school function, piano recital, band concert, or football game. He checks the oil in my car more often than I do and is adamant about me watching my surroundings. He calls to say good night every day. Even though I live 120 miles away, I never feel like he's too far away to depend on if I need him.

He's my rock, my conscience, my comical relief (see picture below), the standard to which I hold all other men, and most importantly, my friend. While I may have a lot of characteristics my mom had, I would be proud to become half the person my dad is.

Love you Dad. More than you'll ever know.