Years of journalism classes, months of writing for a professional newspaper and a lifetime of creative writing still has not taught me how to put into words just how much my father means to me.

The greatness of that man is indescribable, but I think he deserves to at least read my attempt express it.

As much as I appreciate the countless life lessons and advice my father has given me for the past 22 years, it’s mostly his actions that have taught me so much.

My father is the most selfless, hard-working, loving, respectable and honest man that I know.

He has always put family above everything. Not only does he make sure to provide for his family before pursuing material items, but he will also take the time to attend any event he knows is important to his family members.

When I was in high school, the school football team was far from champions. We went through a losing streak that I am certain made the football players wish they did not have to be at games, but my father was always willing to sit on those uncomfortable benches with a smile as he endured the harsh, freezing weather for what may have seemed like endless hours to watch me perform as a color guard member with my high school marching band.

And I love him for that.

One of the most admirable traits he has is that he does not limit his incredible fathering skills to just his children. I have seen him support and love children in my hometown as if they were his own.

I have watched him have plenty of conversations with young men about how they should respect women and themselves. He has spent hours listening to people he has not even known a full day about their personal issues.

And he does not just speak the truth. He lives it.

It is because of my father’s upstanding character that I know how my future husband should treat me. I have never seen my father disrespect or harm my mother in any way. He has always cared for her like the queen she is to show just how much she means to him.

I have heard plenty of men talk about how they need a break from their wives, but my father is quite the opposite. In the 30 plus years that’s he been married to my mother, he has always enjoyed her presence far more than being without her.

I tell my father I love him every time I interact with him, but it still doesn’t seem like enough to express how much I appreciate what he has done and continues to do for me.

I have developed a bond with my father that grows stronger each day. At times only we can understand our wacky behavior, but that what makes our relationships so special.

I love you, Dad. Enjoy your Father’s Day.