Readers share heartfelt tributes to their fathers, their friends

He helped you catch your first baseball. He taught you how to drive. He showed you the difference between right and wrong.
But, at some point, you stopped calling him to help you move and started asking him out for beer. Rather than discuss your hopes and dreams, he opened up about his. You had become friends with your father.
With Father's Day approaching, we asked readers to submit letters discussing why their dad was their friend. People responded with childhood stories about their dad, his sacrifices, what they learned form him, and, most of all, why he ranks among their best pals.
— Jessica Yadegaran
The best part about becoming an adult was becoming friends with my dad. I am lucky that we live minutes from each other and that he is retired. I love going on road trips with him, hanging out at Peet's Coffee, or just watching him play with my two boys. He's the best dad a girl could ask for, not too mention the best grandfather.
Whether we're sitting in the car in comfortable silence or hanging out with the kids at the park, being with him makes anything enjoyable. He's instilled in me to always be nice to everyone, read as much as you can, and always vote ("It's your civic duty!"). I love you, Dad. Thank you for being you.

Simone Wells, Danville