The bond of a daughter and a father is like no other. The second a father hears that he has been blessed with a baby girl he immediately falls in love. Why? Because the woman he is so madly in love with is about to have another beautiful young lady just like herself in this world, and it is probably the best possible news to him. With Valentine’s Day around the corner and the fact that my dad just totally rocks, I decided to give not just my dad, but all dads out there a special thank you for making their daughters feel as if they truly are the princesses of the world, just like my dad has and still continues to do each and every day.

Dear Dad,

Being your daughter is the greatest thing life has brought me. You have a way of making me feel special even when it is a random text in the middle of the day reminding me of how loved I am. It’s the little things you do that mean the most. Thank you for scaring away the monsters at night when I was a little girl. Thank you for rescuing me from my first splinter nightmare and being there to teach me how to ride a bike.

I want to thank you for always being my valentine so I don't have to worry about asking someone to “be mine.” I will always remember you being my first date and always being up for a sushi night whenever mom was out with friends. When being a father to a daughter you tend to have to become a girly version of yourself. I must say you do it quite well. Thank you, Dad, for all the pedicures you have allowed me to give you throughout the years, and thank you for being the reason I can braid hair today.

Thank you for always having the perfect way with words, whether it’s about school, boys, girls or just life in general. The way you always seem to make it a funny story even when I am on the verge of tears. You give the best hugs. You show so much love and compassion to the world around you and your endless love to mom is truly admiring. Thank you for showing me what true love looks like; the way you look at her is the way I can’t wait to be looked at someday by the man of my dreams. Thank you for being my witness the day I signed for my first credit card and having all faith in me with it. I will never forget the day you saved me from the top of the tree in our old backyard, or the time you allowed me to bring home the hamster from the pet store even after Mom said no.

You are a great time, the perfect family guy and the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for always being a clown and trying to embarrass me, but remember I am your daughter I am exactly like you. You're always down to party and so many people think highly of you, and that is what makes me proud to be your daughter. There’s not a dad out there that could even hold a candle to you even if they tried.

Love your No. 1 fan,

Your daughter