There is such a special connection with dads, whether you are a son or a daughter.

To a son, a dad is their first hero, and to a daughter, it’s the first man she will love.

As I think about Father’s Day, my heart can’t help but think about my son’s girlfriend, who just lost her dad last week. The day was just devastating. The most horrible part was she was the one who found him. No fourteen-year-old girl should ever have to go through that. That morning, when I got the call, I didn’t know what to do. I called my dad, and he asked me if I texted Ty’s girlfriend.

(I am not going to share their names for privacy.) I had texted her momma, who is a very dear friend of mine. It had only been thirty minutes since she found her dad, and I didn’t want to bother her during that extremely difficult time. I kid you not; as soon as I hung up with my dad, I had a text from my sweet girl. Her text hit me hard as she told me what happened, but she also told me how much she loved me. The fact that she thought of texting me through one of the most difficult days in her life really touched me. I hurt because she hurt, and her family, who I love dearly, was hurting too. I immediately left work, got Ty from school, and we went to be with them.

When I called my dad and told him that morning, I just said, “Dad, you know how much I love and appreciate you, right?”

“Oh, I know you do, honey, and I love you very much,” he answered back.

I couldn’t imagine what this family was going through at that moment.

My dad has always been one of those dads who never hides the way he feels. One thing my brother and I can always count on is hearing “I love you.” Something both of our parents never lacked in saying to us. I have been through a lot health-wise in the past few years. Nothing I could have prevented! But my dad would seriously call me every single day to check on me after surgeries or follow-up appointments. I don’t think I realized how crappy I felt for so long until now. I feel top-notch, absolutely incredible. Praise the Lord! My dad, of course, still calls to check in on us very often, but what I love most is how every time we hang up, he always says, “Now, if you need anything, honey, you let me know!” Ask anyone who knows my dad, Lee Perry. That man would do anything for anyone. He is such a hard worker and a man who, without a doubt, loves his kids. I can never say my dad wasn’t a good father. Sick or healthy, he is there.

He has taught me so much in life, and I am like him in so many ways. I am thankful that he taught me that I could do anything I put my mind to. When I didn’t feel like I could, Dad would be right there saying, “Yes, you can.” I always had that boost when I needed it. Still, at 38 years old, I call Dad and get his advice. I can’t imagine not having him here. It’s hard for me to sit here and think of things you may not know about him. I often tell you about our family and other Father’s Day articles I’ve done in the past, such as how he bought me a dirt bike before I was even born. He taught me how to ride a bicycle, dirt bike, and street bike, as well as how to drive. Did you know I could ride a dirt bike before a bicycle? Facts. Did you know I rode on the back of my dad’s street bike at the age of 13 from South Carolina to Pennsylvania in one day without stopping?

I know I have shared this before, but this was one of those memories with my dad I will never forget. The only times we stopped were for gas and once at McDonald’s drive-thru. I shoved my burger through my helmet while riding down a major highway. I’d tap on Dad’s shoulder, handing him French fries while he drove. We had this huge storm following us up the coast the entire way, but you know what? We made it home just in time! Just me and Dad. It was awesome. My butt wasn’t near as big back then, *enter cheesy smile here*, and I really don’t know how I made it that far without some cushion back there! Hahaha! Good times.

My dad isn’t just a great dad but also a great pap. He gets Kenzy on the bus for me once a week and started teaching Tyler how to hunt last fall. He loves spending time with his grandkids. I love that he asks to do things with them. A lot of paps/dads just don’t do that, and I think it is so special!!

When I look at my dad, I see my pap, Dwain Perry, and remember all the special times I spent with my grandparents. I’m so thankful my kids have that with their grandparents as well.

Dad keeps popsicles in his freezer in the garage, so if any of the grandkids come down, they can have one. He also gets the mega stuffed Oreos for Kenzy on school mornings. She always wants to go to Pappy’s for cookies and milk. My grandparents always had the goodies, too! What are grandparents for than to love and spoil their grandbabies?
Dad,

Growing up, you told me that I could do anything I put my mind to. During my moments of self-doubt, you helped me see that my qualities were not weaknesses but strengths. You told me I was special and worthy and taught me to always put my best foot forward. I will always look up to you and admire who you are. I couldn’t ask for a better father who has loved me unconditionally and has truly taught me so much. You raised me to be tough and do things that some women never get the chance to learn. You’ve always been a hands-on dad, teaching us everything we needed to know to get us ready for a crazy life. You always expressed your pride and acceptance of me — things a girl sometimes needs to hear even when she’s grown up and sets out on her own — and I am so thankful for those words.

But what’s more important is that you didn’t just tell me, you showed me. Your actions meant everything in the world to me! I can’t say I love you enough. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Peanut Butter No Bake Balls
~ A sweet treat for the dad in your life ~
Ingredients:
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter or crunchy
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup of M&M’s
Directions:

Mix all together to blend. Scoop out with a cookie scoop. Chill and enjoy!