Where would I be without the support of my Dad and my husband? I am so thankful and grateful to have two strong men in my life. On this Father’s Day, I won’t be able to spend time with my Dad, but I want him to know how much I love and appreciate him.

My Dad has always been behind me, backing me up with all my wild decisions, and bringing thoughtfulness and rationality to my actions. From the very beginning of my life, he always provided me with every opportunity available. I definitely had to work for things and he taught me an amazing work ethic, but he always gave me support or ideas on how to get where I wanted to go.

When I was 10 years old, my best friend moved to Majuro (it’s a tiny atoll in the Marshall Islands). At the time, we were living in Hawaii (yes: my life was very “tough”). I wanted to visit her and he put me on a plane by myself where I travelled half-way across the world to hang out with my friend for 2 weeks. He always encouraged adventure (safely, of course), experience, and endless possibilities.

Another time, after I saw the Rocky movie when I was 7 years old, I was so amazed by Sylvester Stallone, I wanted to become a boxer. My Dad said he would build me a hook& wooden holder to hold the punching bag (which he installed on the side of our house that went up and down. He’s very crafty with wood). However, I had to buy the gloves and the bag. So I started working all over the neighborhood to earn money. I worked my butt off and was able to buy the bag & gloves. It was awesome and I had a blast sparring with the older neighborhood boys. He taught me how to follow my dreams and let me know that I could do anything I set my mind to.

My Dad still helps me out. He gives me advice, support, and love. I’m lucky to talk to him frequently every week. Anytime I have a question or need some fatherly knowledge, he’s there with great answers. He’s like my encyclopedia when it comes to science, life experience, and financial matters. So this Father’s Day, I may not be with him, but he’ll get my props and my good cheer.

One of my Dad’s all-time favorite Father’s Day presents was a large pickle jar which I had cleaned, decoupaged, and covered with glitter. Inside the jar, I filled it with 365 strips of multi-colored paper. Every single paper said something different such as:

“Give yourself a hug today because I love you”

“I’m thinking of you today, call me!”

“Remember when we did Bay To Breakers together? I loved that day”

Writing all those pieces of papers took me hours! In fact, I spent about 8 hours on this DIY present! But it was so worth it. My Dad still has the jar and he still uses it daily by taking out a strip of paper (like a fortune cookie). He places the read pieces of paper in an empty jar. When my sparkly jar is finished, he’ll put the papers back in it and start all over. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and lasts for a year each time.

Make sure to give thanks to the men in your life this weekend. If your Dad has passed on, reach out to another man who has touched your soul and helped guide you along the way.

What are your Father’s Day plans?

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN