The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
How My Father’s Love Shaped Every Chapter of My Story
I’ve had my share of life’s ups and downs,
But fate’s been kind—the lows have been few.
I guess you could say I’ve been lucky.
Well, I guess you could say it’s all because of you.
I remember being a kid, listening to one of the many songs my dad played throughout the house, especially from his beloved “oldies but goodies” CD collection. This one always stood out. While it’s often read as a romantic love song, my soul has always connected it to the number one man in my life: my dad.
There are very few childhood memories where he wasn’t present. I could count on one hand the things he missed—and even then, it was probably for some miraculous reason. He wasn’t just showing up; he put me in everything. Basketball games, piano recitals, softball tournaments…if I was in it, he was there.
From school drop-offs and pick-ups equipped with my favorite snack or ice-cold water in the brutal Vegas heat, to weekend outings at circuses, museums, aquariums, and concerts, we were inseparable. Especially when it came to music. I loved being the youngest person in the crowd at his old-school shows, with people amazed that he had “put me on” to such good music. Those moments shaped my love languages: quality time, acts of service, even words of affirmation. He’d come into my room just to say “I love you” or sit and watch true crime with me.
It’s safe to say: my dad showed me what love is supposed to look and feel like.
Now, there have been times when things got hard,
But somehow, I made it through.
Don’t worry—for every moment I spent hurting,
There was a moment I spent
Just loving you.
Though we’ve always been close, there were challenges. My dad could be tough. He demanded excellence: straight A’s, star performance, model behavior. While his expectations came from a place of love, at times, the pressure to be perfect felt heavy. Wanting to express myself through a piercing, through clothing that reflected my gender identity was sometimes met with scrutiny or, worse, silence. And still, I never wanted to disappoint him. But sometimes, being myself felt like I might.
Even then, amid the tension, distance, and growing pains, he always tried. He tried to understand, to show up differently, to do better for me. And honestly, that’s what real love and real relationships are about. We’ve grown so much as individuals. It warms my heart when he says things like, “I was hard on you” or uses “partner” when talking about who I love. Those small things are big signs of effort, evolution, and grace.
If anyone ever writes my life story,
For whatever reason that might be,
Oh, you’ll be there
Between each line of pain and glory.
When I reflect on my story, on the accolades, degrees, and moments of triumph, I know better than to attribute them to luck or hard work alone. My story is made of the people who raised me. My village was powerful, loving, and deeply present. But none of it—none of me—exists without the foundation built by one incredible man. I cannot think of love, resilience, or joy without thinking of my dad.
Aside from being one of the funniest people alive, he’s one of the most selfless, caring, and thoughtful humans I’ve ever known. People, including me, don’t always deserve his kind of love, but he gives it anyway. Not for the praise, not for what it gets him—but because it’s who he is. That kind of heart is rare. I don’t know if I’ll ever match it, but I’ll spend my life trying.
I am blessed beyond measure that the universe saw fit not only for me to know him—but to call him my dad.
'Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me.
