Dear Daddy,

I know I don't tell you these things enough, but please know that you will always be the most important man in my life.

Sometimes I struggle to confide in you or just sit down and talk with you like we used to and I think a lot of that is because I am growing up, I am finding my independence, and I am finding myself. Always know that even though I'm becoming my own person, a part of you is right there with me.

Daddy, you are one of the most hardworking men I know. I have watched you and Mommy succeed my whole life. I take so much pride in knowing I have the work ethic I do because of you and Mom.

You aren't like the other dads, you have never pushed me toward anything I didn't want to do (except for drumline in sixth grade and I think that's still a touchy subject) you've let me build my own path and you encourage me as I do so.

You are one of the handiest people I know and are always so willing to take on just about any task that comes your way. I love seeing the hard work and effort you apply to everything you do.

I might confide in Mommy more than I do you and sometimes she and I spend a little more time together, but the traditions we have and what we do together will always be so important to me. Camping with you over the years has been one of my favorite things to do, when we begin to plan a trip to the state park I get so excited thinking about the food we will eat or the movies we will watch. I love that every night you smoke a pipe when I'm home and you always bring the warm pipe for me to smell the fresh tobacco.

You are so artistic, Daddy, and even if I got a fraction of your talent I would be so happy. You are so goofy and silly (even though your jokes aren't funny) you have the ability to light up a room and bring a smile to everyone's face. You have set my standards so high when it comes to my future husband. I see how much you love Mommy and how well you treat both her and me. You have always loved us with your whole heart and treated us with so much respect.

I think sometimes we argue so much because we really are a lot alike, Dadda. Sometimes I get so frustrated with you and I know that's okay, I always try and remind myself that a lot of what I do is just like you. Being in college and entering into the "adult world" has caused our relationship to begin to change but as I have gotten a little older I have been able to step back and really see how much I need you and appreciate everything you do for me.

My love for you, Daddy, is never ending. I work so hard to make you and Mommy proud of me. I have learned so much from you and still am. If I gain even a little bit of your hard work ethic, your personality, and your cooking ability I know I will do just fine.

I may not always be your little girl but I will always love you more than any other man.

Always,

Your daughter