I’m a daddy’s girl. I have been for as long as I remember. He’s always pushed me to do the best and is one of my biggest supporters. With Father’s Day just a couple of days away, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about my first hero and the first ever military man in my life—my dad.

If you’re new to my story, then you won’t know that I grew up a military brat. I moved around a whole lot, and my dad was also away a whole lot. He had a very demanding job in the Air Force, but he really didn’t let that get in the way. Even though there would be a lot of distance between us at times, I always felt close to him—even now, with him in Texas and me in New York.

I think that’s one reason it was so easy for me to go off on my own after I graduated from high school. I was used to feeling the love at great distances, so I knew when I left home, it wouldn’t be too difficult. I had big dreams growing up, and it was all because of my parents. They both taught me that anything I want can happen as long as I put my heart in it.

At first, my dad can be very intimidating. Don’t get me wrong, growing up, he was hard at all the appropriate times, and I was disciplined (oh boy…). Having a military man as a father can do that to you! I like to think that it’s shaped me into a very determined and headstrong woman.

Despite his stern moments, he was also a big teddy bear. It was obvious that when I gave him “that look,” his heart turned to mush. He spoiled me not with a thousand toys but with unconditional love and attention. You can say, just like Disney, my dad gave me extremely high expectations in men. He is a dedicated husband and father to his wife and family and was an airman to his country, serving an honorable 20 years.  Every man that came my way wasn’t good enough for me (or my dad for that matter). My dad did give the next important man in my life big shoes to fill and set a very high standard!

I dated for a while, and when I finally met my soldier, I knew it was meant to be. I feel unconditionally loved, and he also met all my the cheesy, corny expectations. In some weird ironic way, I respect my soldier’s decision to join the military and value him for that. I also can’t believe that he has the same amount of respect and understanding in the decisions I made in my life.

No offense to my husband, the other hero in my life now, but I don’t think he will every outshine my dad.  My dad will always have a very special place in my heart, and I love him dearly for being an amazing dad.

Happy Father’s Day, Papa T!