Fathers are under appreciated every single day. They go to work, they come home, they help with homework, help mom make dinner, help with the dishes, read to their kids, sing them a song, wake them up in the morning, feed the dog, and somehow manage to keep their head on straight. This is a description of the perfect Dad. The dad every little girl hopes their husband will be like someday. This description is rare, but it perfectly describes you, Daddy.

I truly don’t know what on earth I did to deserve your patience, support, and love every single day of my life. I remember when I was a little girl learning how to ride a bike (I’ll admit I was a little slow to start than most) and every time fear creeped into my little head I focused on the pressure of your hands on my seat and handle bars. That support made all my fear completely disappear. And that is how you’ve made me feel my entire childhood. You have given me a better life than I could have ever asked for and made me feel supported and loved every second, minute, and hour of my life— even when you tell me to go back upstairs and change.

You touch every person you meet in a positive way. The way your patients talk about you makes me the proudest daughter in the world. Your caring soul and kind words make everyone want to be around you, even though sometimes you just want to be alone— I’d like to think I get that last part from you. Even though you are quiet and calm, you are one of the most passionate people I know. You make me want to do better and be more just by the way you light up when you talk about how Cornwallis was defeated at Yorktown. You have a bigger appreciation for learning than anyone I have ever known, and I cannot thank you enough for everything you do every single day.

Thank you for all of the volleyball tournaments you attended even after the longest work week ever. Thank you for rushing to school in the middle of your work day just to make sure my stomach cramp wasn't anything more serious. Thank you for being so patient and kind to Mom. It is because of you that I have learned how a man is truly supposed to treat a woman, and I am eternally grateful to you for that. I just hope one day my daughter feels the same way about her father as I feel about you.

Thank you for being my alarm clock for the past 18 years, I’ll miss you more than you know.

All my love,

your little girl.