He's not my biological father. But he is my Dad.

He is the man that raised me from the time I was 18 months old.

He is the man who dedicated his time being a great Daddy to me.

He is the man that has protected me my whole life.  He didn’t have to, but he did.

He’s been my constant, only a phone call away, a strong shoulder to cry on, a comedian when I needed one.

An amazing Pop-Pop to my kiddos.

He’s the reason I’m addicted to Butterfingers.

I have 4 brothers, too. There was a time in grade school when I expressed to my daddy that I felt like he didn’t spend as much time with me as he did them.  One day he said, “We’re going for a drive.”  We drove to the gas station, filled up the tank, and he bought me a beloved Butterfinger (the first one I ever had!). Something so simple turned into something so meaningful.

I love that I can talk to my dad about anything and everything. And although we’ve had many disagreements, we could talk through them.

You wouldn’t know he wasn’t my biological father.  When we’re out in public people say “You look just like your daddy!" We just look at each other and smile.

My dad is my eating buddy. Our favorite restaurant to dine at together is the Arcade, and I call that "our spot."

Daddy told me one day that he knows he spent a lot of time with my brothers growing up, but that he saved his best self for me now. I love that and I agree! I'm also so thankful for that. I used to be upset when someone would mention that he’s not my biological father. However, now that makes me feel even more special. Because, even though he's not my biological father, he chose to love me and take care of me as if I was his own flesh and blood.

No, we don’t share the same DNA, but we are more family than ever.  They say blood is thicker than water, well in our case love is thicker than both and I’m so grateful for that.

My dad taught me the true meaning of love and family.