Dad,

You have always had the hardest job in the world, being my dad. I know I haven't given you a lot of return on your investment, but just know I appreciate everything you have ever given me. Whether it was money, advice or telling me that my ex was worthless that time I called you crying at midnight. You have always been there for me.

Thank you for understanding me like nobody else can. I am so lucky to have a dad who gets every side of me. From the crazy me, to the determined me and even when I fail. You always know exactly how to react, or what to say and you're the best dad I could have asked for.

You even claim me when I am the most embarrassing person in the room. You're not just my father, you're also an awesome best friend. God definitely knew what he was doing. Or, at least knew he'd get some serious entertainment out of us.

Thank you for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Whenever I've wanted to quit something, you made it incredibly difficult. Thanks for that. I finally see that you just believed in me even though I was ready to give up.

I know I've done more dumb stuff than you and mom combined, but you still believe in me and see through my mistakes even when I can't. I know that whether I conquer a mountain or fall on my face, you'll be right beside me.

Thank you for the tough love. Like telling me my natural blonde hair looks best, or that my eyeliner looked ridiculous in 8th grade. Thanks for being the obnoxious sports dad that wouldn't let me skip practice and never thought second place was good enough. I now realize how important it is to never accept second best, in any aspect of life.

I also know the real me is the best me. I know I joke about you being difficult, but thanks for making sure I knew I deserved better than ordinary and could achieve anything I really wanted to, while being true to myself.

Thank you for never giving up on me. Even though I've wrecked brand new cars, lost nice jewelry, broken countless other expensive items and made the most ridiculous mistakes imaginable, you still find a way to believe I have great potential.

I'm not really sure how. Although I am full of shortcomings, you always seem to look past them. I really hope I do something to make you proud one day so I haven't wasted all that effort on your part.

Thanks for being my funny, generous, crazy, loud, loving, tough, strong, kind, caring dad.

Love,

Your little girl