Dad,

Growing up, I was never a "Daddy's Girl". Honestly, thinking back on my childhood, I don't remember much about time spent with you. You worked, you worked long hours and you worked so hard. For years, I almost resented you and your job because I never believed I would ever matter as much as that job.

Then you and Mom split up. It was hard on everyone, but I watched it take a toll on you the hardest. I always saw you as this hard, strong man who never faltered. The only time from my younger years I remember seeing any emotion was when the family dog died. That was the first time I ever saw you cry.

Going back and forth between your house and Mom's house took a toll on me. It was hard to go from two completely different environments, I had to adjust every time. I know it wasn't easy for you either. You always let Mom take control when it came to discipline or teaching us certain things, which is completely understandable. Now, I get it. I know your way of showing how much you loved us was by working as hard as you could to make sure we never had to go without and for that I am eternally grateful.

Even in my last couple years at home with only you, I still didn't feel the overwhelming closeness I saw some people share with their fathers. I still had my doubts and I still wondered if I was doing something wrong. I know now neither of us did anything wrong.

Then I moved out. I was on my own in a town I didn't know. I was struggling. I went through so many things in my short time away from my hometown and for some reason, I wanted to run home. When I returned, things were different.

You were present. And not just physically. We began going out together, like a normal father-daughter relationship. We spent quality time with one another, and truly talked about our lives. I had finally begun to know the man who was my father. And he was starting to know me.

I look back now and wonder how I ever went without the relationship we have. I don't regret the way our relationship was in the past: I don't hold any of it against you. You did everything necessary to give me a life I am so thankful for. Now, I look forward to our next outing. I go through the year counting down the days until our next family vacation for all of the new laughs and memories to be made.

Dad, I know I felt like you weren't present before, but I don't care. All I care about is the man I know now. The one who has taught me how to be selfless, to love to the fullest, and to do things that make me happy. You have never questioned my choices in life, you have always been proud of me even when I didn't deserve it. So many things in this life, I did not deserve, and you always made sure I had more than I needed.

So here it goes. Thank you, Dad. Thank you for being here. Thank you for always being a light when my world feels dark. Thank you for pushing me to be the best person I could be. Thank you for making me laugh with your stupid jokes. Thank you for never giving up on me when I was hard to handle.

One day, I'll have kids of my own. All I can hope is that I have a husband by my side who will love our children the way you have loved me. Someone who will teach them selflessness and the value of hard work. I thank God I was given a father that set an example. You've created my high expectations for men, and if I find a man that is only half the man you are, I would be the happiest girl in the world.

I love you, Dad.

-Your difficult daughter