As I struggled to become a version of perfection for someone, you already saw me as that. Growing up, no matter what I did I was always number one to you. Not only did you see me that way, but you made sure I felt that way. You are the very definition of the light on my path to success. You have been the motivation, support and sanity I needed on my cloudiest of days. You have cheered me on in sports, school, and life. Heck, you would cheer me on even if you had no idea what the competition was about. You have put me first all of the time, and as much as it seems I do not appreciate it, I truly do with all of my heart.
I remember as a little girl, running around playing games and causing trouble. If my friends didn’t want to play, it didn’t matter because I knew I had my best friend right at home. You have made me laugh more than some do in a lifetime, and we have had some of the most amazing memories that most will never experience. Although mom might have gotten mad when we kicked the soccer ball in the house, or watched movies too late at night – it was worth the memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s okay that you didn’t know exactly what I got done to my hair, but thank you for telling me how great it looks. It’s perfectly fine that it wasn’t easy for you to watch me go on dates, but thank you for trusting in all of my choices. I think it was hilarious when you were in charge of doing my hair and you would let me leave the house with it barely brushed, but thank you for trying your best. It’s understandable that you never grasped why a prom dress costs a couple hundred dollars, but thank you for telling me how beautiful I looked when I was ready to go. I know it was never easy to cheer on sports and hobbies that you never enjoyed, but thank you for coaching and cheering me on like it was your favorite. It must have been tough to see me cry over drama and boys, but thank you for talking and walking me through every hard time I’ve ever experienced. Raising a girl was probably never the easiest, in fact I am 100 percent sure I have put you through hell, but thank you. Thank you for all that you’ve done and all that you have sacrificed to make me the happiest girl in the world.
You know me for exactly who I am, and have made me the person I am today and all that I plan to become. You have taught me it’s okay to have large dreams and you gave me the confidence that nothing I want is ever out of reach. You have made my standards high because you are proof that the greatest of great do exist. You have shown me what I deserve and made me feel invincible. No matter where life takes me, just know you stole my heart first. No distance, age, or dream will ever change the fact that I will always be "Daddy’s Little Girl."
