Whenever I was a little girl, just like all others, I dreamt of a fairy-tale. I would have the perfect life, perfect house, two parents who were just as in love as they were 10 years before, and eventually I would find that love too. Just as my parents had. However, that fairy-tale doesn't always go as dreamt of.

My parents got a divorce when I was a toddler. From what I can remember, everything was happy. I saw both of my parents still, everything was civil, and I knew that they loved me more than they could ever love anyone else. Little did I know that at 2-years-old, I would only have about six more years left with my dad.

When I was 8, my dad passed away. As devastating as it was, and still is, I got through it. Part of that might have been because I was so young and didn't really have a clue about the real world, but I got through it. My family got through it. We got through it— together.

Just like that, there was a single mother of two, working two jobs, and going to school on top of that. (Super mom, am I right?) Somewhere a long the way, she met my step-father, and that's who this is really about. Not me, or my story, but about a man who stepped up and mended a broken family when he didn't have to.

Dear Matt,

Let me start and say this first: I love you. I know I haven't said that nearly enough the past 11 years. It took me a while to openly say that because I didn't want to feel as if I was betraying my dad, so I'm sorry. A step-parent was never something that I thought I would have. Because at one point, as far as I was concerned, just my mom would do. And I didn't want anything or anyone intruding. I was so wrong. And I never actually admit that I'm wrong (so you know I'm serious). I resented you for so long; I resented the family you came from because I wanted that. I will never regret anything more than that. You were young, and you didn't have to mend such a broken family. You didn't have to take the responsibility of suddenly being a father of two heartbroken kids, but you did. And you never looked back. You took on that responsibility, as scary as it was, and did it whole-heartedly. It takes a special kind of man to do that. A good, selfless man.

As scary as such a big change was to me, I now realize it must have been 100 times scarier for you. To come into a family and love two kids who just lost their father-— I don't think I know anyone else who could ever do that (successfully). Not that you would ever try to replace my dad, even though sometimes I would swear that you were, but you tried your hardest to love us even when we didn't want you to. I had a lot of pent up anger towards you because of that, but now I know you only ever wanted what was best for me, and our family that you built.

For the past 11 years, you have been the closest thing to a father I've had. You taught me how to ride a bike— or tried, at least. You taught me how to drive a car. You taught me that no boy is ever worth the tears. You taught me how to love. You gave me piggy back rides when I didn't feel like walking. You could reach all of the things I was too short for. And not one day went by that you weren't there for me when I needed you. You supported me even when I was being a horrible 'step' child, because to you I wasn't just some 'step' daughter. I was YOUR daughter. And I always will be.

So, this is for all of the times I screamed "I hate you" or "you're not my dad." I guess I owe you. And even though none of this will ever repay you even a little bit, I figured I would still tell you. I love you, and I could never begin to thank you for everything you have done for me and will do for me.

It took me a long time to realize this, but I know that my dad is thanking you from above. I truly believe that he sent you to me since he could not be here.

Love you STEPDADDAYYY,

Dev