For the dads who stood by for nine months as their wife battled emotions and cravings, and were always ready to run to Taco Bell at 11:30 at night in a snowstorm because her need for a burrito was so great she was crying over it…

For the dads who hung around the hospital rooms, holding hands, bothering nurses, seeing things they could never un-see, and still exclaiming afterwards “You HAVE to see your child born, it’s the most wonderful thing!”…

For the dads who tucked their over-tired spouses back into bed and spent an hour bouncing a baby at 3 am, then got up for work at 6 am…

For the dads who were peed upon while changing diapers, who tried to figure out the must-have adorable but many buttoned outfit their wife bought, who didn’t question why their non-walking child needed $60 leather booties but just agreed that they were, indeed, adorable…

For the dads who said “Honey, you sleep in, I’ll deal with the toddler this morning.”...

For the dads who let their kids roll in the mud, climb the big playset, wade in the creek and eat ice cream before dinner, then happily accepted the stink-eye from the mom when they all got home and exclaimed that they were all enjoying childhood...

For the dads who stayed up until 3 am on Christmas morning putting together play kitchens, doll houses, and train tables…

For the dads who rushed from work to make it to parent/teacher conferences, band concerts, ballet recitals, and doctor appointments…

For the dads who were the main participants in Nerf gun battles, snowball fights and water wars, while mom laughed safely in the background taking pictures…

For the dads who sat home and watched Disney Channel with kids while mom went out with her friends…

For the dads who have survived one too many chicken nugget dinners…

For the dads who stepped up and volunteered to coach a team because there wasn’t anyone else, who stood on sidelines in rain, sleet and snow to cheer the kids on…

For the dads who cleaned up vomit at 1 am, who ran out at 11 pm to buy more popsicles for the feverish child, who stayed in the ER room for his child’s stitches and cracked jokes to make the situation easier…

For the dads who helped with homework, bought poster boards and glitter glue for projects, and researched the right backpacks, who made lunches and ran to the store at 7 am because they were out of bread or juice boxes…

For the dads who opened up homemade Father’s Day gifts and beamed at the handiwork, who have their child’s drawing framed on his desk at the office…

For the dads who teach their children how to mow lawns, cook eggs, set up wifi, and all sorts of life lessons on their Saturday mornings…

For the dads who brave The Talk with their sons, and inwardly cringe the first time their baby girl wears make up, and teaches them all how to be safe drivers when the time comes…

For the dads who spend more time researching college options because even though their kids are almost adults, they’re still invested in giving their child the best start in life…

For the dads with children who have special needs – for those men who stuck around, who stuck it out, who embrace all their children equally, who have argued with doctors and special ed directors, who fight for their child every day, and ensure they have the fullest, happiest life…

To all the dads out there who never get enough credit for what they do…

Thank you.