A few days ago I asked you to brag about your dad. And boy, did you brag! More than 100 comments full of touching stories and life lessons from your fathers. You all have been blessed to have such amazing men in your life. Here are a few that were truly extraordinary:

(The following have been edited for your reading pleasure… to see all the comments in full go to Brag About Your Dad).

Karen: He was also gifted in humor, quick with a quip or ready to play an innocent practical joke on us, which always delighted us. He always tried to see the best in everyone and taught us to do the same; anyone who came in contact with him would always come away happier and inspired by him. Even when his heart disease and emphysema caused him to be hospitalized often, he always tried to cheer up other patients and the nurses on his floor. He hardly ever complained but instead tried to make light of his situation especially when we were around.

Theresa: No matter how busy he was he always took time to listen. He taught me to be proud of who I am and never to look down on anyone. He was very patient and loving. I never heard my father say anything bad about anybody. I still treasure the moments of sitting by his feet listening to his stories. He will always be my Hero.

Sheri: You’ve heard the Brad Paisley song, “The Dad He Didn’t Have to Be”? Well, that was my dad. Not my birth-father, but this amazing man that came into our lives when I was five years old and stayed for 40 years. He fell in love with my mom and took on five young children, without hesitation.

We had some very rough patches, when he was laid off or his hours were cut, but he always managed to get us through. I don’t ever remember needing for anything, and even at Christmas when we really didn’t have the money, he would pawn some of his most cherished items to make sure we all had a great Christmas.

Melissa: My dad wouldn’t let me get my drivers license until I knew how to drive a stick shift, so he took me out on a country road and put me in the drivers seat and tried so hard to explain to me how to use the clutch, gas pedal and shift at the same time. It took many hours that day, laughing then tears, because I just couldn’t get it but he wouldn’t take me home until I got it. I eventually did get it and I drove home. I was so proud of myself. Once we made it home I asked him why it was so important to him that I learn how to drive a stick shift when my car was an automatic. He told me that the day would come when I would be with someone else or I had to get somewhere in someone’s vehicle and if it was a stick shift he didn’t want me to be stranded somewhere because he always wanted me to come home. I was so mad at him the whole time out on that country road, but the whole time we were out there he had his little girl on his mind and in his heart.

Shannon: As all of the strangers lined up to say goodbye in 2009, they all said the same exact thing, “Your father gave me the shirt off his back… when no one else would even speak to me, and when he only had that one shirt to give.” In the middle of the night, on the side of the road, four hours away, it didn’t matter. Dad would be there for you if you needed him. See, he knew the true value of the human being, the human soul, the human heart.

Karen: My Dad was one of the most self-less people I have ever known. His life was difficult, his trials many. NEVER ONCE did he say, “I can not go on.” All 7 of us could turn to him with “one more problem.” Up to his last breath, he concerned himself about his children. He was widowed at a very early age, left with 7 children age 16 years to 4 months old. He never wavered in his faith in God, devotion to his family, and dedication to his job.

Brenda: My Dad could hardly wait to have us over for supper. He loved to cook and share his creations with us, friends, neighbors, even strangers. He was a great cook and everyone loved him. He’s been gone for 2 years, and every time I’m cooking up a creation, I can feel him smiling and can see him patting his belly.

Linda: My father is 94 years old. He was a B-17 pilot during WWII. He is the recipient of the SILVER STAR, DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, 5 AIR MEDALS and the French LEGION OF HONOR. My Dad was one of the first helicopter pilot instructor and was the first person to land a helicopter on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Not only is he a great patriot, he is a great Dad. He taught his children to love their country, respect others and a strong work ethic. But, best of all, he taught his children how to love, to respect others to be kind gentle and understanding.

One of his brothers developed polio and was unable to walk. To make sure that he received what education that was available, when a horse was available, he would load his brother on to horse and take him to school. When no horse was available, he would hoist his brother on to his back and carry him the several miles to school.

My Dad is my best friend and the kindest man I know. He suffers from dementia, but still know all of his children when we call and is sure to tell us that he loves us. The time will come when my father leaves this earth, but he will never leave his only daughter’s heart.