There are so many ways that moms and dads are similar. They can both be protective, loving, caring and strict when need be. But there are a lot of special things that set them apart.

When you are little it seems like your dad is the strongest person in the world. He can pick you up, spin you around and carry you when you are tired. Then there is the other side to dad's. The sweet side where they sit down with their little girl and have a tea party or play dress-up. As you get older there may be a time where those feelings go away a little like during the teenage years for example. Once you grow out of your defiant stage you realize that those sides of your dad were there all along. Whether it be helping you move into your first apartment or trying to bond with you by going shopping your dad is still the strongest and sweetest.

When I was little and even now I thought my dad could fix anything. If something was broken whether it be a toy or as I got older a car he would be able to fix it. Even though sometimes my requests were met with a little reluctance they were and still are always completed. But it isn't always something mechanical that needs to be fixed. Sometimes it's life that needs to be fixed. Through losing my son, being diagnosed with cancer, chemo and everything in between he has been there. I will never forget the time when I was going through chemo that I called him to come and help me. I tried my hardest to do everything myself and not ask for help but that night I needed it. I was sick and I couldn't get the bottle open for my anti-nausea medicine. I called to see if he could come and open it for me. I was at the end of my rope. I was exhausted from having a newborn and having chemo. I barely got the words out that I needed help and he was there. When I look back on that night I realize that I didn't need help getting the bottle open I needed my dad to be there for me and that's exactly what he did.

Watching my husband with our daughter I get a special seat to see another special dad. I am not sure if he realizes it or not but at the age of two she has him wrapped around her little finger. I am not sure how many times I have heard him say "This is the last time I am going to tickle you." Then he does it and she laughs and there are 50 more tickle sessions before bedtime. He tries to be firm but how can you say no to that little face. It doesn't matter how busy I am whether they are joking around and playing or having a little cuddle time I always find the time to take my seat and watch. I can't help but think how lucky she is because I know she has the same type of dad that will come in the night to be with her when she needs him most.