On August 30th, 1995 I was born into this world. My mother had given birth to her third daughter, but my father had just witnessed his first child being born. Though I know my mother loves me, from day one my father and I have had a tighter bond. I like to think being his first daughter has something to do with that, but honestly I have to say it's because of our personalities. If I take after either of my parents it's definitely my father. From our laid back personalities and sense of humor to our love of movies and sports(though his runs much deeper than mine). While we don't always see eye-to-eye, I know he supports me in every decision I make even if it goes wrong. My dad has always been there; whether it was the little things like teaching me to ride my bike, teaching me to play baseball better than the boys in my kindergarten class, helping me open my own bank account, or with the bigger things like supporting my career goals or being my shoulder to cry on when my grandma, his own mother, died. My dad has always been my hero and done everything in his power to provide for my family. He's been the one person I know I can turn to when times get tough and know he will help me turn my life back around. As I grow older and I accomplish more in life I realize I will not always be with him, but he will always be with me. With these next words I promise to forever be his little girl, no matter how old I get.

You've watched me grow from my first breaths to my first steps, from kindergarten to preparing to graduate college. While I was growing, you were always showing me something new and teaching me as I went. While I was learning, I was also observing. I noticed you were patient, even when my sisters or I did something wrong. Rather than scold you made sure we knew it was wrong, but did it in a way that made us feel okay that we messed up. I've seen you avoid drama like it was poison and I quickly adopted that philosophy. Throughout my 20 years I have seen myself grow and I see more of your qualities in myself with each passing day. Though I am getting older I promise I will never lose my need for you.

I promise to always think you're the expert in everything and ask for your help when I do not know what to do. I know you do not know everything, but I will always value and trust your opinion and pretend you know what's best under any circumstances.

I promise to check in with you as life takes me on it's winding path and tell you how I am and what's new in my life and ask for the same in return. I'll miss the days where we stay up late watching movies or just goofing around whenever we want, but it's okay because I know we'll never get too old to enjoy the simple moments with each other when we can.

I promise to always act in a manner I know you would be proud of. Thanks to you I have turned into a young, confident, determined young woman and I intend to uphold this image in addition to the lessons you have taught me. I will be kind and smart, but refuse to be mistreated and voice my opinions.

I promise to be a die-hard Chicago fan and pass that on to my children. After all, sitting on the couch watching sports with you is one of my favorite past times.

I promise to somehow repay you for all the amazing things you have done. I know you're my dad and it's your job to be awesome, but I've seen some people's fathers and you deserve some repayment for being the way that you are.

I promise to parent my children like you have parented me. If my children love and admire me as much as I love and admire you, I will feel overwhelmingly accomplished.

Finally, I promise to you that no matter what my age, I will ALWAYS identify as a daddy's girl.

I love you, Dad.