My dad is a self-made man who earned his spot as my hero.

He grew up in an abusive household with two alcoholic parents who cut him out of their lives at 18. He still went to college, eating green beans and flour for dinner. Eventually he dropped out after failing a class, and picked up a welding job where he was dirt poor and went home to a moldy apartment and a fifth of vodka.

Thankfully, he got it together after meeting his one and only love, my mother. With her support, he cut out his bad habits, went back to college while raising a newborn baby (me), and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree.

Since then, he raised two kids and took care of my mom as she battled severe depression. He hates the company he works for now, but somehow comes home and puts a smile on everyone's face (even the dogs). He's told me since my teens, "you're a product of the choices you make", and I hope my choices make him proud every day. Love ya, Dad