My dad is my best friend, my role model and my superhero without a cape. He is my biggest cheerleader and my greatest teacher. He shows tough love to help me grow into the person he knows I can be. Here is a letter to the dad I couldn't imagine life without.

Thank You For: Being My Foundation

Growing up can be pretty rocky. There are times when the simplest tasks seem impossible. Thank you for encouraging me even through the days of low grades, break ups, and disappointments. Thank you for seeing these as learning opportunities for me to learn my full potential. Even after my 13th major change, you continue to encourage me and support me.

Thank You For: Showing Emotion

Dad, you've always worn your heart on your sleeve. You aren't afraid to show how much you love me, and how proud you are, even if it means letting the tears flow. I will never forget looking over at your chair and seeing you choke back tears watching talented artists perform on "America's Got Talent." You have shown me compassion just in the way you live your life.

Thank You For: Working So Hard

No matter how many packages you had to deliver, or how many late nights you worked, you never missed one of my events. From sports, to band, to the ever dreaded early speech mornings, you were there for me. Cheering the loudest and the proudest even when I didn't do my best.

Thank You For: Teaching Me Value

From the very beginning you valued me as your little girl, to your teenager, to your young lady. You showed me how much I meant to you on a daily basis even though you never said those words. You showed me what to look for in a man by the way you treasured me so deeply. Because of you, I have been able to see the value of my life.

Each and every day, you show me what it meant to value your loved ones. You are constantly showing affection to mom, even if I'm watching. You make it a habit to tell us you love us when we walk out the door, even if we will be back in just a few short hours. You are always speaking highly of my siblings and I and are proud for others to know our accomplishments.

You have also taught me the value of things. From living a humble, yet blessed life, you have also instilled gratitude in the value of nature. From our early morning hunts, to hot and humid days watering in our garden you showed me what it means to value what you have.

Thank You For: Being Mine

Thank you for actively choosing to love me every day. Thank you for loving me unconditionally even when I make big mistakes. Thank you for still encouraging me, even when I don't rise to some expectations. For choosing to tell me you love me everyday and continuing to value and respect me. Thank you for spending your time teaching me about life. And dad, my love and admiration grows even more for you every day. Thank you for raising me.