Dear Dad,
I don’t think that I’ve ever really taken the time to thank you for all that you have done for me. I know I’ve written the clichés on the inside of a birthday card at some point, but I’ve never really let you know how thankful I am for you and all of the little things that you do for me and our family.
They say that you don’t really appreciate what you have until it’s gone, but I’m not going to let that be the case for us.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Whether it was coaching me at my childhood Parks and Recreation softball games or rooting for me during my difficult college Spanish classes, I knew that I could always count on you. I see my younger cousins and think back to when I was their age. You would take me fishing and all that I wanted to do was play with the worms, but it didn’t matter because you were happy just to be spending time with me.
You may not think that I notice when I come home from college and the house is decorated for the holidays, but I do. I know that you don’t decorate for yourself, but to keep the holiday season alive amidst an avalanche of finals and worries for me. I noticed back in high school when you started my car for me because you knew that I would never wake up, scrape my windshield, and be able to make it to school on time in the winter. Now I even see your unwavering support for the University of Michigan because if it's something that is important to your kids, then it’s important to you.
I know that sometimes I let myself get too caught up in school and things and I forget to call you. I’m sorry for all of the missed calls and messages. I’m sure that you couldn’t tell, but last night when you picked up the phone, my eyes welled up. I started to get emotional at the thought of having to go the rest of my life without being able to hear you sing "Brown Eyed Girl" to me, tell another one of your classic dad jokes, or eventually have you walk me down the aisle.
Sometimes life throws you curve balls, but it's like you used to tell me, “You have to keep your eye on the ball.” If there is one person who I know is driven, strong, and determined, it’s you. I know that you can get through anything and that you will.
--But I just want you to know that it’s my turn.
It’s my turn to love you unconditionally, support you, and make the time. It’s my turn to show you the same unwavering care and devotion that you gave to me for my entire life.
I love you with all my heart and I just want you to know I’ll always be your little girl. Thanks for being my dad and my hero.
Love,
Taylor