Today is the other important birthday I want to touch on. My daughter’s was yesterday and my dad’s is today. He turns 71.

I know everyone, most everyone that is, says their dad is the best, but my dad is better than anyone else’s dad. It’s true. I’m sorry if this bursts anyone’s bubble, but it’s a fact. He’s been there for everything in my life and my brothers lives. He’s always been around. He’s never missed a game, event, wedding, graduation or any other important moment in our lives. He’s even there for the unimportant moments. My dad was my coach growing up. He taught me how to play sports. He taught me how to lose and win. He taught me how to react in those scenarios. He showed me how to play catcher in baseball. Then when I wanted to play third, he taught me the proper way to do that. It was the same with pitching. In basketball, when I was a small kid, he taught me how to dribble and pass like a guard. As I thickened up a bit he taught me how to rebound, box out and tip shots back in. He always had me play sports with older kids to hone my skills. When I finally got to high school and my folks let me play football, he helped me to learn how to properly tackle and play fast.

My dad also helped with things outside of sports. My dad gave me the sex talk. I’m sure he was sick of doing it, me being the fourth kid, but he did it anyway. He helped me when I struggled with geometry and chemistry in high school. After I flunked out of two colleges, both of which my parents footed the bill, he helped me with my third try, even though I was paying for it. I passed school with a 4.0 then. When I met my wife he would constantly tell me to marry her. When I said I was going to propose his response was, “it’s about damn time”. He gave a tremendous toast at our rehearsal dinner. He was a blast at the wedding. He’s been an excellent and involved papa to his four grand kids.

As I’ve gotten older my favorite thing to do is go get coffee with my dad. We go out once a week to a local shop, just him and I, and we shoot the breeze over some cold brew. It’s my favorite thing. I look forward to it every week. It’s so awesome to have this one on one time with my dad. I can complain about things and he lets me vent. We talk sports and it’s great. We even have debates about coffee now, as if I even know what I’m talking about. He’s helped to get me more involved in politics and science. These coffee dates are the cherry on top of the pie.

My dad is my absolute best friend. I don’t think I’d be where I am right now if it weren’t for both of my parents. They get me. But my dad and I have a very special bond. When my wife and I chose to live in Saint Louis it was so we could be close to our folks. I love you dad. Enjoy your dad. You’ve earned it. Happy birthday to the GOAT.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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