My dad is the quintessential American dad with a twist. He'll make small talk every waitor and waitress, tell them all about his kids (us, while we're in at the table with him) and forget to actually read the menu along the way. Although he fits the dad mold in that regard, you'll quickly find there's more under the surface. He has one of the most infuriatingly creative minds I've ever met. No matter what you talk to him about, he'll come up with a different way to look at it and go in a completely unexpected direction. How to hammer this nail? How to cook this steak? How to find your meaning in life? You can bet he'll have a non-standard take on any of them. At his core, I've never doubted my dad in anything he does. He is loving, honest, persistent, and as great a father as anyone could ever ask for.