Relaxing alone on the quad between classes gives you time to think. Time to be appreciative of where your life is and how you got here. For most of us, family comes to mind. Today, it was the thought of my dad and the impact a great dad can have on a young girls life, encouraging her to take risks, while at the same time always being her safety net to fall back on. Thank you, to all the great dads out there.

Dear Daddy,

I love you. I know I’m an adult now but thank you for letting me be your “little girl” every time I come home. Thanks for being my superhero and the first guy I said, “I love you” to. You always fought off the boogie monsters and creepy crawlers at night so I could fall asleep.

I have learned how to be compassionate towards others because I grew up watching you bring candy/treats to my small group every time we went to church. I remember when I was 7 years old and obsessed with Rugrats. One November afternoon, "Rugrats" was playing on the television and because you knew my obsession with Chucky, you decided to pick up takeout while I was watching the show. You asked me if I wanted to come but of course I said no, so you said to not open the door for anyone and that you would be back in a jiffy. It was only a five-minute drive to the restaurant but my confused, little mind decided that after you left, I would follow you. I left the house with the door open, one shoe, and no coat. I almost got you arrested but instead of yelling at me, you showered me with kisses and made chicken noodle soup so that I wouldn’t catch a cold.

Thank you for sharing with me your gift for cooking. Because of you, I grew up with my tummy filled with home-made dumplings, sushi, and other delicious delicacies that hipsters now consider their own. Every time my friends and I go to a new restaurant and they try something new that I have recommended, I think of you. When I was little, I hated how my eyes were brown and my hair was black. I thought it was unfair that I was forced to learn a whole different language and had to take a 13 hour flight to Taiwan every summer. Now, I cannot be more proud to be part of such an enriching culture... and Daddy, you have no clue how much being fluent in Mandarin has helped me in life.

Thank you for instilling my passion for drawing in me. As a little kid, I thought it was unbelievably cool how you had the talent to draw. I know you probably got tired of drawing Disney Princesses, but I needed new pictures to show off to my friends at school.

Thank you for sticking up for me when Mommy and I got into fights. You would always lessen the tension between us two stubborn ladies with words of wisdom. I don’t know how I could have survived without you during my rebel teenage years. Mommy and I got into a lot of fights.

You have no clue how much I miss you whenever a guy breaks my heart. I still believe there is no better guy in this world than you. You have taught me to stick up for myself and to always say a prayer before I eat and that Jesus is my best friend. Even now, thank you for supporting me constantly and showering me with encouragement and love. As dorky as I think it is, I appreciate you liking every picture, post, and tweet that I have posted on social media.

You have molded me into a beautiful, strong lady and I want you to know that no matter the age or distance, I will forever be your little girl.

Love always, your daughter