Dear Dad,
Do you remember that night leading up to my first day of high school when we stood outside watching the sunset? You told me that this was the next step in my life and I need to be prepared. I was growing up, and you knew that. You said to be smart, do my work and have fun. Not much else was said as we watched the sun dip low into the sky.
Four and half years later, I am now a second-semester freshman at a college that I have grown to love more and more each day. So many years later your advice still sticks with me. I’m doing my work, staying safe and having fun all at the same time. It wasn’t all smooth sailing to get where I am now, but I know I couldn’t have done it without you. Fourteen-year-old me was confused by your words that night. They seemed so obvious. I had my head in the movies, expecting some motivational speech about life and moving forward. Something you have taught me though is that this is my life. This isn’t a movie, but instead, time and events based off of my personal decisions. Since that summer evening, I have gone through my fair share of battles. Friends, boyfriends, schoolwork and plenty of nights spent wondering, "where do I go from here?"
Through thick and thin, you have stood by me. You would stay up late listening to my problems and have witnessed a fair share of breakdowns. You took the time to make sure I was OK, and threw in a joke to make me laugh. Sometimes, all you needed to do was hug me and tell me that everything was going to be okay.
There is so much I want to say to you. I want to say thank you for being my biggest fan and having my back through it all. You have helped shape me into who I am today and are one of the main reasons I have gotten this far. Everything I’ve done, and seen, are because of you. You have allowed me to live a beautiful life. My life has been one big adventure thanks to you.
I am searching for the right words to say here, but I am utterly failing as I am sitting here thinking of you and the memories we have shared. Going on a semester and a half away, you think I wouldn’t cry anymore—but I do. Sure, I get sad, but I promise these are happy tears. There is not enough time in life to cry because we are sad. We need to be pick ourselves up and persevere, you taught me that.
I have come this far, not because you held my hand and guided me, but because you gave me the tools to build my own path. With every step I take I keep you in mind. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done for me. I will never be able to explain how much of an impact you have on my day to day life. I got this far because of you, and now all I want is to make you proud.
Since the first week of school, there has been a picture of you and me pinned on my desk that makes me smile every time I look at it. It is my way of keeping you close while I am away. I can’t say it enough but thank you, Dad. Thank you for everything. My only hope is to make you proud as I continue my journey through this world. As I have promised before, I will be smart, I will stay safe and I will have fun—all at the same time.Love always,
Your Not-So-Little Girl
