There’s no one quite like a dad. Whether they’re offering strength during hard times or providing a simple smile when we need it most, their love is endure and pure. In this article of encouraging stories, you’ll read the many ways dads support, protect, and inspire their children, giving them a shoulder to chew out.

Story 1:

At 6 months pregnant, I found out my husband had a secret bank account and was planning to leave me. Mom said to stay quiet. The day I gave birth, I couldn’t stop crying.

My dad held my hand and said, “I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I didn’t believe him. But then he gave me a key to the apartment he bought for me and my baby. He sold his car for the down payment on the apartment.

Story 2:

When I was in elementary school, someone said unpleasant things about my smile, so I stopped smiling and a few days later my dad took me to work and while he was planting plants, he made a joke and I couldn’t stop from laughing, and he said, “You have a smile like sunshine.” He didn’t know someone had said otherwise, but I started smiling again. © polarkats / Reddit

Story 3:

When I had my first kid, my parents came by a few days later to see the baby. My mom and my husband were over with the baby, and my dad was chatting with me about how everything went.

At one point, I cut the conversation short and said, “Don’t you want to go see the baby? She is the first granddaughter, after all.” He just shrugged and said, “Right now, I’m checking on my baby.” Did not expect that.

My dad wasn’t the most emotionally expressive person when I was growing up, so that was unexpected but very appreciated. I’ve heard so many stories from moms over the decades who had everyone come and immediately fawn over the baby with no checking on them whatsoever. It always makes me grateful for my dad. © ZetaWMo4 / Reddit

Story 4:

Story 5:

Just recently, my husband decided he doesn’t want to be married anymore. We’re in our mid-twenties, and after half a year of marriage, he’s changed his mind because he thinks we need more time to grow and mature.

My dad picked me up from my friend’s house, took me for coffee & to talk, and told me that I’ll be okay, that I have him and a wonderful support system, and so many people who love me to see me through this. When I mentioned my mom’s lack of support, he said, “That’s okay, that’s why you have a dad, too.” © yellowharlee727 / Reddit

Story 6: