Dear Dad,
I've thought about writing this for a long time but I didn't really know how to put my gratitude into words, but, I finally decided to just go for it. You deserve more than anyone to be recognized for all that you've done and sacrificed for me.
Since Mommy passed away and I moved in with you, I know that it hasn't necessarily been easy for either of us. You were tasked with raising a teenage daughter alone. We fought a lot, we often didn't see eye to eye, and I'm sure my attitude didn't make it any easier. You never signed up for this and there is no handbook for raising a teenage girl, especially as a single father, but nonetheless you did it - and I'd like to say you did a pretty good job. You give up so much for me, and sometimes I don't show you how much I appreciate everything that you do. For the past 8 years you have been both my Mom and my Dad - thank you for that.
Through my lengthy battle with my anxiety, you have always been patient with me. You'll never know my gratitude for this. Sometimes, all I need is a hug and you're always here with that. Whenever I feel like everything is out of my control you help bring me back to reality. You've never given up on me in all of the times I've been ready to give up on myself. You always remind me that this struggle is temporary, and that I will be okay - thank you for that.
Throughout my life you've always encouraged me to do the things that make me happy and to pursue my interests. With my recent struggle deciding whether or not I want to transfer colleges (and what the heck I want to do with my future in general), your support means the world to me. I couldn't do this without you reminding me every day that it's okay to be confused and scared, but the future will bring what it will. Basically, you taught me that fearing the unknown is a waste of time - thank you for that.
So, thank you for doing double. Thank you for bringing me to Lehigh football games and buying me tampons. Thank you for feeding my Chinese food addiction and picking up some gluten-free snacks you think I might like. Thank you for overnight-ing me a coloring book to de-stress when I was having a really hard time at school. Thank you for always offering to take me out to do something even if I'm having a bad day and know I won't want to. Thank you for reminding me to be brave and strong in every situation. Basically, thank you for being my Dad - I love you.
-Patrece
