Dear Dad,
I know I’m not always the first person to use the words “I love you”, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t feel that way. You’ve always been a role model to me and have always been someone I can count on. There are so many things in life that you have taught me and so many more that I know you will continue to teach me. From your work ethic to your kindness, the things I have learned from you are nothing short of amazing.
All the times we have gone out for a late night ice cream runs or down to the Joe for a Wings game, there are always countless laughs. I give you credit for my weird sense of humor and my sarcasm. Even though there are times we don’t always see eye to eye, you can always count on me to help you with that new project mom gave you. And even though I may complain about whatever it is, just know that I love helping you. In my eyes, doing all those weird tasks around the house, like putting up a back splash in the kitchen or cutting down a tree in the backyard, are chances for me to soak up all the knowledge I can from you. I’ve never come out and said this but I admire you greatly and I aspire to be as knowledgeable and caring as you are one day.
At your dad’s funeral, you said something that has stuck with me since. You said you wished that one day you could be half the father that your father was to you. After hearing you say this, I cried because you have no idea just how much you mean to us. I'm sure there are times you may feel as though you are letting us down, but trust that you are everything a girl could ever want in a dad and more. With everything that has happened in my life, I always know that you will have my back no matter what, and for that I am forever grateful. From my unexpected hospital trips, to you always telling me everything was going to be okay, you have continually been there to offer up a hug or a smart ass response (yes I learned that language from you too). I can honestly say that I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have a dad as caring, goofy, and kind-hearted as you.
Even though I may move away and may not see you often, I will cherish the things you have taught me and the things you will continue to teach me. I’ll always be your number one helper when mom gives you yet another job to do (because we all know that there will always be something else to fix). Thank you for everything you’ve done so far in my life. I sincerely hope that one day I can be as good of a parent and a person as you are.
Love,
Your favorite daughter