Padre

I think it’s about time I share a little about my favorite Padre. Where do I even start? My dad is amazing. He’s always in my corner. He gives the best hugs—the kind where, in just five seconds, you feel completely safe.

I’ll never forget this one time when we were in Korea. I was sound asleep, and suddenly, something landed at the foot of my bed. It was a Sylvester the Cat pillow. I carried that thing with me for years. It was the perfect fit for my face—soft, comfy, with ears I liked to run my fingers over and a tuft of hair on its head that I’d twist through my fingers. That pillow came with me to every sleepover and I slept with it every single night. My dad traveled a lot, but that pillow made me feel like I always had a piece of him with me.

We had so much fun together. We played leapfrog, danced like nobody was watching, and laughed our way through Costco runs. My love for dancing? That’s all him—he’s always jamming, moving, and making life a little more fun.

I remember when we’d order fast food and then park next to another car, pretending they were jealous of our greasy cheese burger. It was such a small, silly thing, but it still makes me smile. He’s also a great chef, don't let him tell you otherwise. Every year on my birthday, he makes me salmon. It's really thoughtful.

I know things got really tough after we lost my mom. He had to play the role of two parents, and I can’t imagine how hard that was for him. But honestly? He’s done a pretty damn good job.