Dad,

You are undoubtedly my favorite person in this world. There is so much to be thankful for with you and I can never express how much you truly mean to me. I would not have gotten where I am today without your never-ending support. I look up to you in every way possible and one day hope to be as understanding and hardworking as you are.

Thank You, Dad...

Thanks for the endless life lessons and being the best role model.

From learning to ride a bike, which took me some time but not as long as Lila (had to throw that in there), to driving a car because Mom was too afraid to be in the passenger seat, to the best advice I have ever received, you have given me the world and all the knowledge needed to succeed. I cannot thank you enough for the wisdom, firsthand experience and love gathered from your life talks and one-on-ones. I will always be able to look up to you as an example and follow your guidance, but still be able to be my own person at the end of the day.

Thanks for the endless motivation and support.

You have witnessed countless music lessons, on-stage performances, field hockey games (as short as that season lasted for me), lacrosse games and school productions. You have been there during all my car troubles, which so far have seemed to be a lot even though I have only been driving for two years. As I hysterically cried on the side of the road after my first accident, you ran up to me and mom shortly after the cops got there. After my second car finally broke down in a gas station parking lot at nine in the morning, you were there to drive it home somehow. When one Christmas I randomly asked for a guitar because it looked cool on a commercial, you got me probably the best present of my life up to date. As much as I laugh over you and mom getting first row in all my music performances, you are the first person I hear yelling and clapping before I pick my eyes up to find you both. Nonetheless, you have always been there to cheer me on and show your never-ending gratitude and support. You've shown me that I can do anything that I really put my mind to and practice really does make perfect. Because of you, I've taken risks and gained confidence when I needed it most.

Thanks for putting up with three women in the house.

I'll admit I can be emotional and a little dramatic at times yet you somehow put up with it. I have a tendency to get "hangry," snap when I'm tired and be in the worst mood when I get my migraines and you do your best to steer clear of it all. Regardless of how snappy I get at those around me, you always make sure I am doing okay and if there's anything you can do to help, and I thank you so much for that. Even though more times than not I push you away saying I am fine, the fact you ask and try says it all.

Thanks for the homework help over the years.

I know it was rough trying to help with math homework, clearly my strong suit, but you tried helping anyway. Even though I spent nights crying at the table, spending hours on homework I had to do a specific way, you were there for support and I don't think I ever really said thank you.

Thanks for never being too busy for me.

This. to me, is one of the most important thank you's to you, Dad. Working almost seven days a week, around the clock, with long and strenuous work, you would still pick me up from school, make dinner, help with homework and make time to do things I enjoyed. Whether it was guitar lessons every Friday night or practicing my left hand for lacrosse, you made the time for me and I cannot appreciate that enough. I can't think of a time when you've told me you were too busy to do anything with me, and sure, it wasn't every second you could do activities with me, but you would still set aside time.

Lastly, thank you for what I know you will do in the future for me. Thank you for attending my college graduation, being there when I buy my first apartment or home, walking down the aisle and being the best grandpa out there. Dad, these thanks do not begin to cover it, but I want you to know that I love and acknowledge everything you do for not only me, but my sister and mother. Everyone who meets you immediately likes you and knows there is more to the surface but also knows that when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Thank you for giving me the world and showing me I can do anything. I can never thank you enough.

I love you, Dad...