Daddy, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you for loving me.

Thank you for being that type of dad to have the video camera glued to your hand, video taping me from the second I was born until the very last second you saw me. It's because of this that I get to know what you looked like because I get to watch those home videos you made of all of us as a family.

Thank you for naming me after your favorite person, my Great Grandma Pearl. Having Pearl as my middle name is a blessing because I know that, in your eyes, I am the most precious pearl.

Thank you for being my biggest fan, and for being the true meaning of a "super dad." I know without a doubt that you loved me more than anything in the world, which leads me to believe that you are watching over me still to this day.

Everyone always tells me stories about you. Like how when you'd come home from work, I'd run up to you and jump into your arms and wouldn't let you put me down. And how you'd rock me to sleep at night. And how mom used to put me in the bed with you every morning before work because that's where I wanted to sleep- in your arms. I have no doubt in my mind that I was a daddy's girl. And to some extent- I know I always will be.

Thank you for showing up in my dreams when I need your words of encouragement, or just to spend some time with me. It might just be a dream, but for those few moments it feels like you never left this earth and I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. I know I will see you again one day in Heaven, but those times when I get to see you in my dreams are super special to me.

Thank you for loving my mom so much and for giving her so much happiness in those few short years y'all got to spend together. I know you will always have a special place in her heart, and that we will all be together again someday.

My dream is that when I walk down the isle on my wedding day, you will be there in spirit holding my hand, giving me away to my husband. And then when it comes time for the "father daughter dance," you will be there holding me and whispering your blessing into my marriage.

I know you look down on me every day, and I can only hope that what I've done in my 22 years of life makes you proud to be my father. God had a plan for you on that day 20 years ago when He called you Home. And He had a plan for me as well. I used to sit and wonder why God would take my daddy away from me at such a young age, where I have no recollection of you but through videos and pictures. But, I rest easy knowing that you are living alongside our Heavenly Father watching over me.

I know that our days aren't promised. You never know when your last moment to see somebody will be. It's a lesson learned to never take life for granted, to always cherish those that you love, and to live life to the fullest.

Daddy, thank you for being my "super dad." I can't wait to be in your arms again one day.

Love, your baby girl.