Dear (step)dad,
When you decided you loved my mom, you didn’t have to decide to love me too, but you did. I want to thank you for going above and beyond just filling your role as a stepdad. You went a little further and decided to be my dad. I will be forever grateful that God gave me you. You have become my constant rock. God could not have found a better man to fill this role in my life. My heavenly Father wanted to make sure I didn’t miss out on the best earthly father I could ask for.
“Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad.” --Unknown
You came into my life and caught me up on what I had missed. You made it a point to be present for every school function, prom, recital, choir concert, birthday, and wherever else you were needed. Even though you have not always been in my life, you came in and made it feel like it would be incomplete without you. When you introduced me, you never once said, “This is my stepdaughter.” You always proudly introduced me saying, “This here is my daughter.” You never have been a man of many words, but you always have made sure I knew how much you loved me and that I felt like I was your number-one girl.
I want to thank you for making sure to give me bear hugs and saving a spot for me right next to you in your big reclining chair. Thank you for being interested in my life and present when I need you. Thank you for always being there to just listen and never letting me down. Thank you for always being my comedian when I am sad. Thank you for always caring and being there through the heartbreaks to wipe my tears. Thank you for always sneaking treats for me to find on my bed after you make little trips to the gas station on your way home from work (I am your favorite out of all the other kids, I know, I know). Thank you for taking my side (most of the time) when Mom is being…Mom. Thank you for poking your head in my door on the occasional Saturday morning to see if I will jump in the car and accompany you on a sneaky breakfast date before everyone else wakes up. I thank you for always encouraging me, and making sure that I know you 100 percent believe in me. Thank you for providing for our family, and making sure we have the best of the best. Thank you for making sure that I never go without. Thank you for showing me how a man should treat a woman and what it is like to be respected by a man. Thank you for valuing me and our relationship and making sure I know you love me just like I am your own. Honestly, this list is endless, but I ultimately want to thank you because since the day you came into my life, you have always been there to be my dad, my friend, my rock, and my favorite guy. You have 1,000 percent earned the title of being my dad, and I love you with my whole heart.
Love,
Your daughter
