A brief tribute to my dad.

My dad has always been the blindly adoring sort. I remember many a morning as a teenager, I'd crawl out of bed and slink to the bathroom. I'd be engaged in some unattractive activity like zit-popping, my hair all tangled, mascara smeared under my eyes, when my dad would pass by. He's stop, smile, and say something like, "You look really nice today, Penelope." And mean it.

I also remember driving somewhere with him when I was in the throes of adolescent insecurity, sure that I was the fattest and ugliest person who had ever lived. We weren't talking about this, but I remember as we turned onto the freeway on-ramp he asked me, "Have you ever thought about being a model?" I just laughed, but I remember thinking that everyone should have a dad who thinks they should be a model. And while I didn't feel any more beautiful for his having said that, I did feel very loved.

And I would have to say that's the greatest gift my dad has given me over the years: unconditional love. Life is hard sometimes and it's fabulous sometimes. It can bring out the best and the worst in me. Sometimes I've lovable and sometimes I'm not-so-lovable. But it's nice to know that through all of life's ups and downs, my dad will always be there. Thinking that I'm beautiful.

Thanks, Daddy.