Dad, you are the rock that grounds me and the call I make when everything is turning upside down. You are one of the strongest people I know, and will ever know, and you make life seem clearer when I’m drowning. You are the words of wisdom that I need on a confusing day and the person I lean to for a shoulder to cry on. You have taught me how to be the strong and independent woman I am today. I am beyond grateful for you.

Thank you for always being yourself. I look up to you and the person that you always strive to be. There is not a day I can remember where you aren’t trying to better yourself or the people around you.

Thank you for always trusting me and trusting my judgment.

We share the same urge to travel and the same thought process to always stay positive. I have never been the girl that runs home to tell my parents everything that has happened to me that day, and I am not the girl that needs to talk about everything I am struggling with but you have always made it aware that you are there with open arms and ears if I ever needed you to be.

Your energy and outlook on life have taught me so much and I am incredibly appreciative for it. You’ve let me try new things even if you didn’t think they were going to last (aka my two-year vegetarian stage) and convinced me to try things I was skeptical about. But mostly, thank you for always letting me be me.

My enthusiasm for the many things I am passionate about that you aren’t has never stopped you from supporting me. Even if you don’t fully understand why I love or dislike something you have always let me have my own opinion and honestly if there is anything in life that has shaped me into the woman I am today, that’s it.

Being away from home was easier for me than most people because of how independent I am but now that I am officially doing adult things and fixing adult problems it makes me wish I could rewind and relive the moments fishing, cooking, or just plain hanging out with you like we used to.

I remember looking at you and mom and wondering how it must be so weird to not see your parents every day, but now that I am in that situation I realize how scary it can be. I am very excited for what my future will hold, and know that you will always be there to help me.

Lastly, you have always been proud of me. Even if it was just getting a certificate for being number one at throwing trash away you’d still hang it up on the fridge and tell me how great I am. There is never a day that goes by without me being thankful for something that you have done for me. If I’ve ever been completely stressed out, you’ve been there to help me find the answers.

If I’ve been stuck eating ramen noodles, too prideful to ask you for money, somehow, you’d know and send help right away. I am so appreciative for everything you have done, never think that I am not. I promise when you are ninety-years-old I’ll take care of you and help you clean your dentures.

Thanks dad, I love you. I'll always be your little girl.