There are Step Dads, and then there are men like you, Step Above Dads. Thank you,

For rising to the challenge when my biological dad couldn’t.

For teaching me to ride my bicycle.

For patiently grabbing the stop-watch while I ran around our driveway to test if my new shoes really were faster.

For introducing me to Johnny Cash and John Wayne.

For supporting my decision to play on the boy’s soccer team.

For being my preferred back-to-school shopping buddy… and for all those fashion shows afterwards.

For not only organizing, but hosting the best Birthday Parties on the planet.

For teaching me, "There Was One Smart Fellow."

For singing, "Tiny Bubbles."

For having me so excited about Christmas I couldn’t sleep.

For all those funny names you came up with on our Christmas packages.

For all those times you sat in the stands after a long day at work to watch me run track, play soccer, tumble and cheerlead.

For always yelling the loudest.

For intimidating my would-be-boyfriends….

For caring enough to set boundaries.

For having me scared to death to break them!

For all those opportunities to make something of myself.

For forgiving me when I messed up.

For walking me down the aisle.

For believing in me.

For loving my mom.

For being there still… long after she’s gone….