Dear Dad,

I think about the last 19 years and I can't name one time where you haven't been there. Whether it was teaching me soccer as soon as I could kick a ball around or driving me from store to store so that I could try on dresses for my senior prom, you've always been right by my side. I realize that a million thank you's couldn't express my gratitude for everything you have and continue to do for me, but here are a few I think you should hear:

Thank you for always protecting me and reminding me there is nothing to be afraid of. For as long as I can remember you have been my one and only protector. At first, it was from the dark and whatever fictional monsters lived within it, but as I grew up these fears turned into anxiety about things like whether I could make it in this big scary world of ours. Whatever I may be scared of, to this day, you take me by the hand and show me that there is nothing to worry about, and even if there is, that you will be there holding my hand through whatever it is. Whether it be showing me that there are indeed no monsters hiding in the darkness of my closet or exploring the world with me to prove that it really is only as big as you let it be, I can't thank you enough for always debunking and calming my fears.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of being silly. You are without a doubt the biggest goofball I know, but despite how many times I roll my eyes at you or how many times you've embarrassed me in public - it's my favorite thing about you. Growing up I remember you always having a big smile on your face, despite how tough your day was or how many things were working against you and I always admired you for it. Whenever I would get a bad grade on a test or I missed a shot in soccer and it put me in a bad mood, I could always count on you to crack the lamest of dad jokes to get a smile out of me. Even now despite being away at school, if I ever have a bad day I know I can call you and you'll always get me laughing somehow. You've taught me that no matter how serious things get, never forget to be silly every once in a while.

Thank you for teaching me to fight for what I believe in. If you could ask anyone about me, they would tell you that I am extremely opinionated, unapologetically at times, and that I always fight for what I believe in. This trait, along with others, is one that I must thank you for. As soon as I was old enough to realize that I could form my own opinions on things, you've always been willing to sit down with me and discuss whatever controversial topic I find compelling. You teach me everyday that if I believe in something enough to form an opinion on it, it is worth fighting for and that is something I will never grow up or out of.

Thank you for being the first man to ever love me. One of the most important things you've taught me as I grew up was how I deserve to be treated and to never settle for anything less than that. You taught me about standards and how to keep them high, no matter what. Whether it is always opening doors for me or pulling out my chair at dinner, you've reminded me of the level of respect I deserve, despite it commonly being forgotten in today's society, and I thank you for that.

The relationship between a father and his daughter is arguably one of the most important. From an early stage, it establishes a sense of stability, love and trust that cannot be compared. The way you raised me and the things you taught and continue to teach me are what will set the stage for how I live the life ahead of me, and I know that if I grow up to be even half the person you are, I will be just fine.

So here's to you dad. Thank you for shaping me into the independent, bubbly, kind of stubborn, and loving woman that I am today. I couldn't have made it to where I am today without you, and I may not say it as much as I should, but I am eternally grateful for who you are and what you do.

Love always,

Your Daughter