Three years ago, I had an abnormal mammogram that resulted in a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and eventually a biopsy. For a few weeks, I lived in the space where I may have cancer, and I may not have cancer.

On the same day when I received my biopsy results letting me know all was thankfully well - I was working at the kitchen counter when I felt a slight tap on my shoulder.

I turned and, much to my surprise, saw my dad standing behind me in my kitchen.

He flew from Michigan to be with me. He said regardless of the results, he knew it had been a hard week and he had to be there.

This is my dad.

He is the king of surprises and always shows up when I need him most.

He is fun. And when I say fun I mean really fun. He is the guy everyone wants to have around. He makes silly faces and will dance at any hour of the day and invents strange words that make absolutely no sense, but can send me into a fit of giggles.

He is tenderhearted and will openly cry when telling stories, watching movies and sometimes for no reason other than the fact that he is so overwhelmed with love when he sees his children and grandchildren. I never grew up thinking men don't cry. It was quite the opposite. I know every time I am saying goodbye to my dad, it will end with both of us in tears. Every time.

He is a man of faith and over the past couple of years I have seen his relationship with God blossom and grow. Yesterday, as he explained his morning routine and the sweet time he spends every day in peace and quiet and solitude with God I felt my heart swell with gratitude.

He admits his mistakes. And has always encouraged open and honest conversation. He has told me my entire life I can do anything and become whoever I want to be. He does not judge. And he loves deeply. You can see it in his eyes. In the way he speaks. In his actions.

The is the man who has always been there when I have needed him most.

This is my dad.