Daddy, thank you for being the man of my childhood dreams. You have stood by me every step of the way. When they said I couldn’t do it, you made sure that I followed through. You were always right behind me chanting, “You can do it!” When life sucks, you’re right there with me. Honestly, the best part about you is that every year I get to celebrate you.

No one understands my pride when I get to share our story. Our story is simple really. Let me sum it up, you gave me a reason to see past the daddy issues that seemed to follow many of my friends. Every night, you check in on me and make sure I’m hanging in there in this crazy world.

Daddy, you are a superhero in my eyes! Not only do you continually put a roof over my head, but you have shown me what it is like to truly feel special. Since I was waddling around in a diaper, you have taken me out on daddy-daughter dates. The amount of times I have heard friends say, “Oh that must be so awkward,” is hilarious. Like girl, my dad can pick a better outfit out than I can.

He’s the first in the Yankee Candle store, and I cannot forget our weekly, summer trips to the farmer market for fresh flowers. This is a man who takes interest in his daughter’s lives. Three girls later, and the man knows how to piece together a girl's fabulous life quite well if you ask me.

Daddy, don’t let this world fool you. When times are tough, and things are looking dry keep pushing because I know what you are made of. You’re the man with all the answers. Even if you don’t think you know…trust me, you know! I’ll be there for you like you have always been there for me. It’s what our family does nowadays!

Daddy, let me end by shouting, “You’re literally the coolest person I know!” There were so many nights that tears were shed as you were telling me to get over myself. I know, I know, I’m the most dramatic child ever, but just imagine how boring life would be without me.

Once upon a time, people were telling me I was never going to make it in college. I was always the “bad student” and for a while, I believed them. You answered my call freshman year when I sobbed and said, “I’m not cut out for this. I want to come home.” You told me to strap up because this world isn’t ready for you, baby.

Long story short, last April I proudly marched across that graduation stage. After the ceremony, I couldn’t find you fast enough. I did it! I did it for you.

Thank you for being the reason I get to celebrate Father’s Day every year. You have sacrificed your life so that I can live boldly. There isn’t a moment of my childhood that I would erase. Not only do we share the same big, round head, but we also share the same big, full heart. I’m so happy that daddy issues aren’t apart of who I am today.