Dear Dad,

Thank you for accepting me as your own daughter when I was 20 years old. You didn't have to, but you did. For that, I am thankful. Even though I did not know you throughout my childhood and adolescence, It feels lIke I have known you all of my life.

We have so much in common - we LOVE cats, we both dislike talking on the phone, we have the same views on a lot of topics and issues. We have intellectual discussions about politics, the world, current events and much more. We even both dislike going to the gym and the grocery store because we don't like crowds. We may not be related by blood or DNA, but we have so much in common that people wouldn't know we weren't.

I have never seen my mom so happy or so much like herself until you came into her life. You stuck by her side through the darkest of times in her life and mine. You also accepted my younger brothers as your sons.

I did not know what it was like to have a father who was willing to teach me about finances, budgeting and even helping me overcome my fear of driving. You were patient when I was anxious and white knuckling the steering wheel, not believing I would ever get my license. Because of you, I got my driver's license when I was 21. Without your guidance, patience, or support, I'm not sure I ever would have been able to get it.

You helped me make the decision to get out of a bad relationship. If it wasn't for you, I may have ended up marrying the wrong person. Your words, "You don't have to walk down that aisle" stuck with me. You knew I wasn't happy and hated seeing me unhappy.

You give advice at the times when I need to hear it the most. You make me laugh and smile when I am feeling down. You are the father I've always wanted and needed.

I may only be four years away from age 30, but I still need my father. That will never change no matter how old I get. Thank you for being my dad.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you.

Sincerely,

Your daughter Jessica