Why Daddies Deserve Some Father’s Day Love

I’m a self-proclaimed Daddy’s girl. From the second I was born, I was always clinging to my dad and driving him crazy. I love my pops so much I just wanna squeeze him! Maybe I’m a little biased, but I think  Father’s Day is extremely important and totally deserved for dads everywhere. Dads are often taken for granted, so let’s reflect on why they deserve this day:

They love their daughters, no matter what. Basically, I’ve put my dad through hell and back, and I’m well-deserved to be blamed for his heart problems. My dad is the father of two girls, both in college. Despite all we’ve put him through – from going through private education, “borrowing” the credit card, bringing home boys with less than ideal traits, throwing a two hundred person rager when left alone with the house, accidentally drunk dialing him, and subjecting him to The Hills and Gossip Girl every Monday night – he still totally loves me. And it takes a lot.

Dads protect their little girls from everything. Though he never pulled out his shotgun and cleaned it in front of any of my potential suitors, my dad has done whatever he could to protect me from a broken heart. And broken bones. And scary boogey men. He’s kept me safe and I love him for it.

When I was younger, my family moved around a lot. I mean, A LOT. I moved to a new state about every two years, and even though I adapted fairly quickly to my new schools, I would occasionally get very anxious in the evening about my upcoming day at school and the potential monsters under my bed and in my closet. After thoroughly scoping out my room for any bad guys, my dad would promise me every night, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because today is the day you worried about yesterday.” Kind of corny, but it help me feel safe and reassured and it’s a phrase that still protects me to this day.

Dads guide their kids through life. Without dad, I’d never learn how to throw a baseball, balance a checkbook (still working on that one), appreciate a good classic comedy, do laundry, or make the best French toast in the universe. Seriously, you should try it. So. Good.

My dad is the coolest. He knows the best shows on television, gets me tickets to all my favorite sporting events, and he still manages to take me and my friends and family on the bombest vacations every spring break and summer. Helloooo, Miami! Alright, so maybe his “cool factor” doesn’t exactly meet up with everyone’s standards, but I think it’s amazing that he hasn’t missed a single episode of David Letterman in, like, 100 years, and can quote every Mel Brooks’ movie. I’m pretty sure I was the only little girl in grade school who was unknowingly repeating lines from “Blazing Saddles” and I think that’s pretty cool.

No matter what I do, dad can’t stay mad at me. He’s always by my side, cheering me on and challenging my every decision. Oh, and when I ask for $10, he’s always giving it to me.

I love you daddy; here’s to the most deserved holiday of the year! Now go shower your dads in ties and pens, take them to brunch, and let them golf all damn day.

Melanie currently interning in NYC, taking full advantage of all margarita specials and those blonde summer boys. Stalk her on Twitter: @tinkermellie