Dad.
You and I are one in the same. We think alike, act alike, and most importantly, joke alike. My humor I learned from you. As much as it kills me to admit, people actually like you for some odd reason and over the years, I have found I've picked up on that. It's most evident when I crack a joke and mom comes back with, "Ugh, you're so much like your father!" I act as though I consider that comment to be an insult but truthfully, I consider it to be a compliment. You make people laugh when they're around you. You make people feel at ease. You know how to make an awkward situation not so awkward. All of these are such great qualities to have, and I can only hope I can attain them as well one day.
You make me feel protected mostly because I know you will not hesitate to hurt anyone who brings me pain. You make me feel strong, like I can do anything I set my mind to. Anytime I have questions or am not sure in what I'm doing, you ease my worries. With you by my side, I know that no one will ever hurt me and if they do, well... let's just say they should be afraid because you're really big and tough and strong.
Not only this, but you have set an example in what I want in both my future husband and the future father of my children. The way you treat mom has shown me that I should not settle for anything less in my life. You have shown me how a man should love a woman and how a man should show how he loves that woman. I will never settle for a man if he is not treating me even half as good as you treat both mom and me and my sister. I promise you, if my husband doesn't treat his children half as good as you treat yours, I'm leaving his sorry a** and never looking back. You have set the greatest example of what a man should be like, and I will forever be grateful for that.
I certainly don't say it enough and it absolutely kills me to admit it to you but thank you for loving me, for protecting me, for spoiling me, for worrying about me, and for showing me what I deserve in my life.
