Dear Dad,

In honor of Father's Day, here's to you. Here's to everything you have done for me and all the things I couldn't thank you enough for. Father's Day should be every day, and no, I am not just saying that.

Thank you for having a good sense of humor.

You and I constantly are joking around and laughing. We get each other. When I have a funny story to tell, I know you will think it's funny because we have the same sense of humor. I love that even with your stressful, time-consuming job, you can still smile and laugh.

Thank you for the drives.

Whenever I'm feeling down, we get in the car and drive. Just being there in the passenger seat makes me feel happier and safe. You listen to my stories (...and my complaints) and you give the best advice. You also treat me to an iced coffee on these drives, which never hurts. Thank you for trying not to freak out when I drive, as if I have never driven a car before, and reminding me to stop at the stop sign or the red light. It's actually pretty funny.

Thank you for punishing me.

I will admit it. I am not mad at you for grounding me, or making me clean out the garage, or writing "I will respect my parents" 100 times on a piece of paper. I know now that I totally deserved it. Thank you for punishing me when it was necessary. You always tell me you want me to be the best person I can possibly be, and sometimes I needed a reminder that I can make better choices.

Thank you for living life to the fullest.

You have been to a very, very, very large amount of countries, cities, and places that I only dream of visiting. You know me, I love tradition and I hate change, but you love trying new things and adventures. You have taught me that it's best to experience all sorts of things because you never know when your time on this earth will end.

Thank you for the health advice.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, you somehow have the willpower to eat the healthiest options possible. I am in awe that you don't actually eat steak at a steakhouse or want any bacon in the morning. Growing up, sugary cereals were always a special treat on vacations, and I'm glad we had something to look forward to. You have introduced me to healthier snack options, too that are actually very good.

Thank you for forcing me to take swimming and sailing lessons.

"But Dad, I know how to swim," I would groan each week on the way to the pool. You made sure that I knew how to swim to the best of my ability so that I would never have to be in a life-threatening situation like the drowning incidents all over the news nowadays. On the first day of sailing school, years ago, I cried for hours. How could you make me do this? Sailing is easily one of my favorite activities and I had the opportunity to sail on a race team for two years because of you forcing me into lessons.

Thank you for not handing everything to me.

You have always taught me to be humble. It shocks me to hear people talk about how much money their parents make or how many cool gadgets they own. Now I'm not saying you haven't spoiled me over the years because after all, I am your little girl, but you remind me not to brag about anything. You have also made me work for and earn things because success comes to those who work hard.

Thank you for always being right.

You like to tell me you're always right, and I'll roll my eyes. But it's the truth. You have been right in just about every situation or argument we have been in. You know what's best at all times and you have helped guide me down the right paths.

But most importantly, Dad, thank you for being my best friend.

You have been with me through thick and thin, and I wouldn't want anyone else as my best friend. You have put up with me for 19 years now (but I know you love doing it!) We have the best father-daughter bond, and I am forever grateful for that. Even though I am older now and away at college, our best friendship will never be broken. I know it must be hard seeing your favorite child (ha) grow up. Thank you for being the best joke-telling, boat-driving, cookie-picking, risk-taking, best-dressing, adventure-seeking dad in the whole world. I love you to pieces!

Love,

Your little girl

XOXO