When I was a little girl, my dad said to my mom, “If we just love her, we can’t go wrong.” And he did, he just loved me. If I wanted to play softball, he was there cheering me on. If I wanted to dance, he was in the front row videotaping. When I had no aspirations of applying to any other college than one of our state schools, he was thrilled for me to begin my new adventure. He never told me what to do, he never judged me, he never placed his expectations on me; He simply loved me.

In a society of overscheduled kids who are stressed out because of the high expectations placed on them, I look back at the way my dad parented me and I feel blessed. He gave me the gift of finding my own way. He gave me a blank piece of paper and allowed me to create my own story. I have written and re-written my story many times and each time he has been there to love and support me unconditionally.

So on this Father’s Day, I give thanks for my dad. He has given me many gifts, but the biggest gift of all is his love.