"Be safe," are the words you've been telling me ever since I started driving. Usually, I just roll my eyes and respond with "I will." Nothing makes my stressful days at school better than receiving texts of funny pictures from you. Although I don't talk to you on the phone as much as Mom, I know you're always there. You've taken the drive more than once when I was feeling homesick and always listen to me complain when Mom isn't available. I know I'm growing up and moving on with life, but I'll always be your little girl.
In elementary school, my favorite days were the ones where we went to the deli, and you let me pick out a chocolate bar, chips, and a soda. Every afternoon in middle school, we watched CSI: Miami at 3 o'clock and Criminal Minds at 4. You've driven me to all my cheerleading practices, girl scout meetings, and other activities I was in. You've taken trips to the mall with me when none of my friends could, and brought me to Taco Bell when I was feeling down. You taught me how to drive, and encouraged me to keep trying when I wanted to give up on parallel parking. When boys started to come into the picture, you never stopped me even though you're a six-foot cop with a shotgun whose parents own ten acres of land, and they will never find the body. You've listened to all my Taylor Swift jams and watched Pretty Little Liars with me (sometimes) when I was too nervous to watch it by myself. You take me on many daddy-daughter dates, even if it is just to get my oil changed.
You have been the biggest supporter throughout life. You've sat through many day-long cheerleading competitions, which I know isn't easy. You've been on college visits and tours and you were there when I fell in love with my school. You've shed tears through all the college acceptance letters. You've shed tears many times when I accomplished things. When I felt like I was the dumbest person, you were the one to tell me I wasn't. You encourage me to be the best that I could be, and encourage the goals I set for myself.
You have taught me not to take life too seriously, and to always laugh when you can. You take dad jokes to the next level, but it's okay because I still laugh and high five you in the end. You've treated me like nothing but a princess and taught me how I should be treated by a guy. You helped shaped the person I am today, and I know I don't say it a lot, but thank you. I can't wait to dance to "Butterfly Kisses" with you at my wedding and then break out to "Thrift Shop." No matter how old I get and where life takes me, I'll always be your little girl.
