Dads are the great men pasting the adhesive that is holding everything together in our crazy life.  Just when things are getting ready to fall apart into an epic mess of NO return, there is Dad, like a giant bottle of glue ready to fix what ales me or helps me up when I've fallen down or has a hankie and a hug and an ear ready to listen. A Dad is the most important man in your life, and here's why...

Dad's always have a good ear to listen. And he will listen for a bit - but Dad's are problem solvers. He's going to take it all in, and offer some solutions and some how tos. He will not let his baby become a pile of mush on the sofa. You're better than that. Famous words of all Dads.

Dads are like the your own personal cheerleader. They know you can do it and they build you up the entire way there. The roads there are HARD and filled with pep talks and pats on the back. And when you finally do it, he tells you that he knew you could do it all along. And you did. And there is Dad, beaming like the hot Alabama sunshine because you are his and he believed in you. And YOU did it!

Dad's encourage you to try new things. Even when those things are tough and sound crazy to your Mom. If Dad thinks it's a good idea, you know he will have your back. And if it doesn't work out, he will pick you up and dust you off. Dad knows that you learn something new every time you fall. And since he's there to catch you, it's okay to fall. Soon the fear of falling disappears. Soon you're out there being tough and brave all on your own. You are Daddy's little soldier. Dad's teach you how to ride a bike and drive a car. Encouraging you and telling you that YOU can do anything. His confidence in you makes you Brave. Just thinking about it makes me feel like a bad ass. Because I am.

A Dad's hug is tight and lingering. It's strong, just like Dad. It instantly makes you feel loved and cherished. It absorbs tears like a sponge and mends broken hearts. And bonus you get to smell him - that wonderful smell of green grass and old school cologne. Dad's hugs can fix most things and he's just giving them away like candy. 

Any problem you come at him with, he has a solution and a warm story to go with it - about his Dad or your crazy Uncle. And sure, you've heard that story before, but you were in your early 20's and knew everything and probably were not listening. Now, you are listening for your A-Ha moments. If only you heard that part last time. He's well versed on all subjects like your car, your bank account, your stupid boss, and your new love interest. And that is why he's on speed dial. That's right, What Would Dad Do?

Dad can always make you laugh. It started with those tickle battles, you know the ones where you begged Mom for the Map to Dad's tickle spot. It's not under his feet like yours and it's just not fair because he knows everything about you and you can't win these tickle fights. He makes funny faces at you during serious talks with your Mom. He loves your smile and will do whatever it takes to see it whenever he wants. He never wants to see you sad and making you smile is his super power.

Thanks to Dad, we can change a tire if we had to. We know we have to change our oil when that light comes on and he taught us what all the other lights mean. We can mow the lawn. We can balance a check book.  And he will help you do all of these things or just do them for you if you say please with a cherry on top.

We get to watch him love Mom. We know when to give flowers and when to expect them. We get to see slow dancing and hand holding and kisses even when we say stop kissing my Mom! We get arguing and making up. We get to watch the compromise and hard work of a marriage.  We learn how to make birthdays magical and all the hard work that goes into making the holidays special. Dad's give us something to look forward to - a nice guy like him or a sweet gal like Mom. He really sets the bar high for all the guys who want to date his daughter.

In Dad's defense, he didn't know MOM said NO at least 98% of all those times. And if he thought it should be a yes anyway, he stands his ground and pleads your case to Mom. Dad has a sneaky side full of secret deals that Mom will never learn about. You and Dad are thick as thieves. He's like a best friend that you're still a little scared will whip your ass at any moment like a parental ninja. Even when you are completely grown. It's one of his super powers.

I love you. He has said it a million times and wished he'd said it a million more than that. Dad doesn't say it, he shows it in everything he does from going to work to make sure you have everything you need when you need it and spending extra time cuddled up with you on the sofa watching the same show he's seen 1000 times. His love is strong. It empowers you to try harder and do more because he inspired you to want more. And his love makes you a better person because his caring and kindness pours right out of you. And one day, you will hold the glue and you'll know what to do because you had such a great example to follow.

This year marks 18 years that my father has passed away. My Dad was always my biggest fan. He just knew that I could do anything and when I did it, he couldn't wait to take out a billboard to make sure everyone knew about it. He didn't always dish out a ton of advice but he always had an ear to listen and a heart to encourage. I sure do miss him. I know that he would love my husband and that he would be cheering for my children the same way he always cheered for me.

Happy Father's day to all the Dad's and the Mom's pulling double duty. You are loved. You are appreciated. Look, you have a new gray hair! Wishing you a day filled with the love and laughter of family.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.