Two Christmas' ago, I bought you a keychain that said, "Dad, anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad." This fits you perfectly, and here's why:
I started working for you about five years ago. Because of our work environment, you started referring to me as your daughter as almost a "protection" for me. But soon, you really assumed the role as "dad"...the role that no one filled before. Suddenly, not only did I have you looking out for me, worrying about me, and caring about me, but your whole family embraced me and showed me an overwhelming amount of compassion and care as well. Soon, I stopped referring to you as "Mr. George" and I found that "Dad" seemed much easier and much more natural to say. For this Father's Day, I wanted to write you this letter to thank you for all you do and I hope you know how much you are appreciated.
Thank you for constantly teaching me.
On a daily basis, you teach me the importance of hard-work, patience, and honesty. When the going gets tough, we jokingly have a favorite phrase, "I quit! I'm done!" But all joking aside, you have taught me that perseverance pays off. Your kid is no quitter. Thanks for instilling that concept of hard-work and determination within me and that it really does pay off in the end. Thank you for teaching me how to drive "efficiently." I must be getting better at it because your knuckles aren't as white as they used to be from gripping the passenger door handles. Because you were a state trooper, I know how to tailgate (I mean "draft"!) better than anyone else on the road. I know which intersections have cameras, and which places in town are routine "speed traps". I know all of this, but will still be yelled at by you for going five miles over the speed limit. Thank you for teaching me the importance of being conscious of my surrounds...especially as of late. Every pepper spray on the market you have purchased for me, and thank you for offering to take me to a shooting range to practice handling a handgun. Thank you for giving me advice on managing finances, keeping myself organized, and knowing the importance of always having a back-up plan. You know, all those young adult activities I seem to currently be failing at!
Thank you for worrying about me.
My first airplane ride in eleventh grade-I was so fearful to fly! You constantly reassured me everything would be fine, and you made me promise to call once I landed. I found out later from a coworker that you were in your office all day tracking the Delta Airline's flights to make sure my flight departed, flew smoothly, and arrived safely in D.C. When I'm at college, thanks for calling me weekly and sending daily texts to check in and make sure I'm okay. The day wasn't complete without a text from dad. Thank you for always making sure I got from point A to point B safely. If I happen to mention that the car is acting up again (a weekly occurrence these days), you either offer me your truck or you offer to help pay for repairs because "you can't have me on the road unsafe." I can't believe I'm saying this, but thanks for the "20 Questions" when I said I was going out. I have learned to appreciate them. "Where are you going? Who are you going with?" and Heaven help us if it is a guy! I have to provide you with everything but their SSN's ... although I'm sure you would like those too!
Thank you for caring for me.
Not only are you a dad, but your a friend. I know I can come to you with anything (minus the "I want a tattoo" idea), and you will always listen without being quick to judge. Thank you for the frequent breakfast trips, and the occasional movie nights. Thank you for putting up with me all day at work, and after work too. Thank you for letting me text you all hours of the day and about 100 times a day, so I can ask you another stupid question or tell you the latest corny joke I have found. Thank you for coming to my high school graduation and admitting that you may or may not have shed a tear or two as you watched me walk across the stage. Lastly, thank you for always making me laugh. Sometimes, there are days where joy is hard to find, but you know how to always put a smile on my face.
This letter doesn't scratch the surface of all you do for me, but I don't want to get all sappy on ya! Thank you for all you have done, and for what you continue to do. Your daughter loves you very much, and I hope you know that especially today on Father's Day. You're the best!
Love,
Your Princess
