happy father's day, dad!

I love this picture of my dad. No one was able to make me cry more on my wedding day than he was. We'd look at each other and boom...instant waterworks. What the heck! I think he cried just as many tears as I did. ;) I think it's because we both knew that our relationship was changing. In a great--but still bittersweet--way. I'll always need my dad! Even if it's not always for all of the same reasons I did before. As I've grown up some and matured a little (or a lot), my dad has become one of my best friends, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. I love Father's Day and seeing everyone give their dads the appreciation they deserve. Dads are great. They do all the gross things that no one else really wants to, like cleaning the gutters and pulling teeth. So here's to them! I thought I'd throw in a few words about my own, because he deserves some recognition too.

My dad doesn't give himself nearly enough credit, but he's the greatest. He's the hardest-working, most giving and selfless man I know. And the best joke-teller, too. Seriously, he can make anyone laugh. He's taught me to give my all in all that I do, because if you want something, you have to work for it. He taught me to never, ever give up on my goals or let go of my dreams. He's shown me the meaning of the word "loyalty" in its truest form through his unshaken dedication to the Georgia Bulldogs. He's always set the ultimate example of sacrifice and unconditional fatherly love. He's taught me that the world doesn't and shouldn't revolve around me and that "Where in the rule book is it written that life is always fair?"

Really he's what any good dad should be. He's there, always. Through every sporting event and science fair project. Every driving lesson and graduation. Through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. And at the end of every day, whether it was good or bad, he never once failed to let me know how much he loves me. No matter what. And I love him for that, so much. Happy Father's Day to the coolest dad around! You rock.