You showed me what it was like to put someone before yourself, even when the outcome wasn't so pretty. You took to the plate with confidence where lesser men have been caught fleeing. You never flinched, even when the pitches got faster and the heat got hotter. You stood your ground even when the crowd booed and the Ump said: "Give up."

You showed me what it was like to love unconditionally.

I'm not sure if Hallmark sells an "I-Don't-Know-Where-I-Would-Be-Without-Your-Guidance-and-Determination-Thank-You-For-Being-My-Non-Biological-Father!" card. If they do, I must have missed it. But I guess that's life right? The easiest things are said through the glittery text on an over-priced card while the most complicated, and quite arguably the most crucial things are said through watery eyes and quivering lips.

If you were to tell me I would be writing this about you 12 years ago I probably would have snorted and blown 2% Chocolate Milk out of my nose (sorry for the visual, I was an awkward pre-teen). The memory of you walking through our front door in our tiny two-bedroom house clad with an oversized trench coat and cowboy boots was still fresh in my mind. You sat across from me and what I thought was my unnerving glare. There was no way in hell you were going to take my momma out on a date. Then a second, then a third, and - well you get the point. I'm not sure I ever stopped glaring at you during those years. Deep down I was so afraid to let another guy into our family, and a scary looking one at that too. I told my mom I wasn't ever going to let another man hurt us so naturally, I had some pretty big duties to fill.

Over the years, time and time again, you showed us you weren't in a rush to go anywhere. Due to my stubborn attitude and fictitious vendetta against you, I realized I missed out on a lot of bonding time. Looking back I can see where you really did try to get and know me when you would sit and visit with us early before the date and even take us out to where you lived and showed us everything on the farm. Without a doubt, I was definitely a bratty kid that tried too hard to protect my mom from the best thing that could happen to our little upside down family.

It's been 12 years now and counting and you have done more for my siblings and me than any father I could ever imagine. I hug you more and say, "I love you." more than I ever have to you. You have knocked on my door at night to make sure I was alright after fights with my mom, you would try your best to engage in awkward "Your boyfriend is not worthy of you" speeches, and you have literally held me when my feet could no longer stand. Sometimes angels have white wings and halos around their head, but sometimes, if you're really lucky, they'll come clad in manure spotted boots and a cowboy hat.

With mom being gone you have shown more than ever that you are here for the long run. We're not adopted, we don't bear your last name, but from the outside looking in no one would be able to tell the difference. I am beyond words lucky to say that you have been everything and more than a father to us. I always wondered what my kids would call you one day if it would be 'Grandpa" or by the name I've always called you, I think I now know without a doubt what name they'll be screaming in happiness when we come to visit.

Thank you for all the times you told us "no." Thank you for all the times you made us crawl out of bed in the early morning to chop wood. Thank you for the hard lessons you taught us growing up and for never wavering in your punishments. I never thought I would ever be able to reflect back on all this in a positive tone but since I finally am, I'd like to say that it's because you helped raise me into a (semi) sound adult. You were always in our corner, even when I screamed at you and claimed you weren't. Thank you beyond words for always staying there faithfully and dutifully.

Love,

Your Daughter