My dad, my Hero

These holidays can be rough for the single parent child. And I have seen in many of my friends the disturbing pattern of one parent exiting their kid's life and the other taking all the responsibility.

For me, Mother's Day is a pain. I haven't talked to my mom in almost 5 years. Luckily, graduation fell on that day and it was barely on my mind this year.

Father's Day is different for me. Its more of day to be grateful and appreciative of the man that pretty much saved my life. He's what ever a dad should be. And he's made up for every bit of love my mom walked out with.

Some how, some way, I made the decision to live with my dad when my parents divorced when I was 11 years old. I came into my new home with a mullet, thick bottle glasses, I was very overweight, and I had no confidence nor social skills. Dad changed it all.

He and his wife took the time to make me real dinners. No more bland tv dinners that was making me unhealthy and quite fat. I was no longer trapped in my bedroom, I had the freedom to go outside and walk around. I had the freedom to go in different rooms of the house without permission. I could even go into the refridgerator without getting in trouble. Yes, my mom was a slight control freak. He took time to help me with my homework. He came to every game I performed at when I was in colorguard. He did everything he could to make anything that I was a part of. He wasn't out all night with random people, leaving me at home alone to fend for myself so he could go party. I wasn't alone anymore.

My mom wasn't a horrible person by no means, I make it sound like she was the worst person in the world, but she was only a victim of her own home life. Her mother was a bad influence and her dad was never allowed to be a part of her life. I can never believe my mom wanted to hurt me on purpose. And I always will love her. But, she wasn't ready to be a parent. My dad was.

So, if you have your father and he has been there for you, protected you, loved you, be grateful. Make sure you let him know that you appreciate everything that he has done for you.

For those who don't have that luxury, give your mom a hug or call today and thank her for being so strong, so amazing, and being both the woman and man of the household. I understand how you feel, its like Mother's Day for me. But remember, you do have that one parent that has loved you unconditionally and some don't even have that. I try and try to keep that in mind. To be grateful for what I have, not for what I have lost.

Even moreso, realize the father figure you deserve. It may be a grandfather, an uncle, a teacher, a friend. If you have someone in your life that has been there for you as a father, thank him, too.

Soooo...to my dad, for all the rides in your blue Dodge, jamming to Tom Petty, thank God you influenced me music wise.

To the day we went out in raincoats during a hurricane, hoping the wind would pick us up at the top of the driveway when we jumped. I was 17, you were in your late 30's, but you always are gonna be a kid at heart, and I will be the same.

For the countless freak accidents you have had. You are an amazing conversation piece.

For you putting aside being a "man" and crying at both graduations.

For you supporting me in all my insane ideas and choices.

For all your lame jokes. I have lamer :)

For always loving your daughter, even when she screws up.

I have your sideways smile. I have your quirky personality. I have your drive.

I love you dad.