Gramps - Thank You. Words cannot even begin to describe what I want to say to you. I love you, and I appreciate everything you have ever helped or done for me. The countless trips to get me from school. That time that we almost went to Canada on accident. I don't what I would do without you and Gram. These are the 6 reasons or things you are the best, caring, wonderful grandFATHER a girl could ever ask for.

1. You Were The First Man I Ever Loved

Most little girls love their father's, the ones they grow up with, but for me, it was always you. There isn't a moment that goes by that I don't have a deep and emotional admiration for you. You are a wonderful man and Grandfather, I couldn't ask for a more suited person to be in my life and fill that role.

2. You Always Made Me Feel Special

It was those little moments of sheer childhood bliss - letting me snuggle up next to you in your recliner while you watched TV. Taking me to Burger King to have breakfast with you. Waiting for you outside of the bathroom door (with the cat) at 4 am, just because I heard you were awake. Making me laugh for no reasons at all other than just to be funny.

Now, it's when you check on me to make sure I am ok. It's when you're concerned enough to call me if I'm not home yet. Or if I'm sick to make sure I'm still alive and kicking. It's something I value and appreciate.

3. We Went On Cool Adventures

The first time you explained what Geocaching was to me, I was beyond confused. When we actually FOUND one, it made more sense, but I thought it was the coolest thing we had ever done. It made me feel like a pirate on the prowl for the booty. We went on other interesting adventures, but these by far were the best.

4. You Took Me In

You didn't just take me in once, you took me in 3 separate times in my life. 3! You didn't have to, and yet you did. First, you let me stay from birth until almost five. Then at 12, you took me. Finally, you allowed a crabby 17-year-old to take up residency in your spare bedroom (aka - my bedroom) right before I went off to school. I don't know where I would be right now if you hadn't. I don't know who I would be if you and Gram hadn't been there for me. Also, thank you for letting my cat stay.

5. I Can Always Count On You

I know that in a pinch, you'd be there for me, no matter what. I can't definitively say that about a lot of people, but I know... I KNOW you would come to my aid if I ever needed it. Plus you're one of my emergency contacts on basically everything... so you have no choice if something unspeakable happens to me :p

6. I Always Feel Loved

I know that Gram and I (or literally most of the family) are emotional and feely all of the time. It's ok that you're not. You don't have to outwardly express it to me for me to know it's true and there.

From the girl who was once broken and all out of tears, you took her to dinner and made small talk about the weather. From the girl who spent over an hour on the phone in a screaming match with her mother, you told her it would be ok. From the girl who didn't think she was enough, you made her feel loved.

I love you, Gramps, infinitely. Happy Father's Day.