The Reason Why Michigan Makes The Best Dads

It's Father's Day, and it's a perfect time to celebrate the father (or father figure) in your life that shaped you into the person you are today. And, fathers in West Michigan have a few extra things we should be thanking them for on this special day.

While my father passed in 2019, it's still a great time to reflect on all of the things he did for me. And if you're celebrating a Dad today, or you're a dad to be celebrated, here are the reasons why it's well earned. Because, we all know it's not easy to be a Dad in the mitten. So, Michigan Dads...

Thank you for not being too mad the first time we wrecked in the snow

It's inevitable, with freedom comes responsibility and of course the pushing of the limits of said responsibility. Thanks for not getting too insane once we realized too late what you meant by "steer away from the way you're sliding".

It was embarrassing enough to have you pull us out of the snow bank, and we're glad you didn't give us too much grab for it.

Thanks you for pretending to lose the race at Craig's Cruisers, when we know you wanted to show us what you're really made of

It takes a special sort of self control to let your kid beat you at go karts, knowing you have decades of experience and an lead foot at your disposal. But we see you, Dad, and we know you wanted to gloat about how you're better than that mini van.

So, next time we're out there racing, go ahead and gloat like your heyday when you win one. You deserve it, even if other people try to judge you and think it makes you a "bad sport".

Thank you for taking us to the beach, even when you didn't want to deal with the sand

Michigan's lakes are one of our most beautiful offerings, and spending time with your family with sand between your toes is something everyone should get to experience.

But a lot of us tend to forget about the time Dad spent afterwards grumbling in the garage with a shop vac, trying to get the sixteen pounds of loose sand out the back of the vehicle.

And most importantly...

Thank you for loving us

Seriously, it takes a special kind of man to open his heart and be there. And to those men who, biological or not, step up and be tender and care: you're a super hero every single day of the week. While Marvel may not be making their next blockbuster about you, you've saved more days than Thor ever will.

So, thank you for making life special, and to those of you (like me) who are missing a special Father, cherish those memories. He still loves you too.