I’ve been suffering from a severe case of writer’s block over the past few weeks. However, I can’t say I’m surprised, given that finals are next week and the only things occupying my mind are finishing up my last assignments, pulling decent grades on my exams, and packing up my dorm in preparation for heading back to Connecticut for the summer.
Whenever I’m feeling unsure of my next move, whether that be in my everyday life or struggling to figure out what I should write about, there is always one person I know I can turn to: my dad. So today, I want to pay tribute to my favorite man in the world. My dad taught me everything I know. He taught me how to tie my shoes, how to drive, how to file my tax returns, how to cook the perfect scrambled eggs, how to appreciate a good Seinfeld quote, and how to properly shovel a driveway in the winter. Mostly everything I know, I know because of my dad… and I guess my mom helped a bit, too.
To give you an accurate picture, think of the most hardworking person you know. For me, that’s my dad. Ever since I can remember, he’s worked tirelessly, day in and day out, to make sure my mom, brother, and I had everything we needed. That in itself is admirable, but something even more incredible is that he rarely complains, even though he has back problems and his job requires a lot of physical labor. He is the true definition of selfless: he would give the shirt off his back or drop everything to help someone in need, and I respect him so much for this. This past Thanksgiving, he drove four hours up to Vermont to pick me up, and four hours back home on the same day. I knew it was a lot to ask, but he did it without a single question because that’s the type of person he is.
My dad is also the most supportive person I know. At graduation, I could hear him and the rest of my family cheering louder than anybody else. When I was considering coming to UVM, he is the one who really pushed me to do so. He encouraged me to head in the direction that I felt was best for me and not worry about outside opinions or factors. He always reminds me to do what will make me happy, and to work to my fullest potential to get what I want out of life. He wants the best for me, but he also trusts that I will make good decisions for myself, which I’m really thankful for.
As this school year comes to an end, I just want to thank my dad for always being there for me, and always pushing me to do my best. He really is my best friend: he can make me laugh when nobody else can, and his shoulder is always available if I need to cry on it. I cherish each moment we spend together, some of my favorites being touring UVM last February together, taking our dog for a walk this past Christmas, watching Survivor and Hell’s Kitchen together, watering the garden together in the summer, and jamming to The Beatles in the car. Dad, you are my greatest friend in the whole world, and I will always be your little girl, even when I swear I’m grown up. I love you forever and even after that.
P.S. Nobody will ever have a stronger emoji game, or better dad jokes, than you.