Daddy,
When you feel like you're the second man in my life, just know that you will always be my number one. I don't tell you often enough how much of an impact you've made on my life. I know that since I've moved off to college you may feel like you're losing your "little girl"—but you're not.
You were my first kiss, my first dance and my first word. But let's not forget you were my first heartbreak: I know you remember the first time you had to tell me "No" and carry me out of Wal-Mart. You were my first big argument, my first driving teacher, my first date and my first real love. Tough love, but real. You were my first coach and first critic. You were the first man to see me cry, the first man to hold my hand, the first man to stay awake with me until I could fall asleep and the first man to call me beautiful and truly mean it. You were many of my firsts, and you will never be replaced.
Because of you, I'm stubborn and hard to deal with, but I'm also tenderhearted and sensitive. Because of you, I work hard for what I have and I'm independent. Although you've never deprived me of things, you've shown me how much more you appreciate things when you work for them. Because of you, I speak my mind, which can be both good and bad. You taught me how a man should treat me and how a man should love me. You always told me how to stand strong for what I believe in and never back down when someone says I'm wrong. You have taught me the importance of the difference between what I need and what I want.
When you took me to college, you weren't losing me; you were giving me the opportunity to grow and make something out of my life. You've always provided for me, even during hard times when it was hard to provide for yourself. You always made sure the family was taken care of. I'm sorry for all the times I took that for granted. I'm sorry I haven't visited home much since school has started; just know that I think of you every day. You haven't lost me.
When the day comes that you have to walk me down the aisle and give your "little girl" away, remember that it doesn't mean that I'm no longer yours. You'll just be giving me to a man that is a reflection of you. He will treat me as you do. He will love everything about me like you do. He will know my favorite color, my favorite flower, my favorite food, my favorite chocolate. He will laugh at my snort, love my energy, laugh it off when I throw a fit and, best of all, he will love me anyway.
You already know all of that, so you can sit back and shake your head as a gesture, telling him good luck forever. You have formed the type of man I need in my head. So don't worry. You won't be losing me; you will be sharing me with a man just as great as you. He won't be my firsts, but my lasts. You forever hold the spot in my heart.
"One part woman, the other part girl to perfume and make-up, from ribbons and curls. Trying her wings out in a great big world, but I remember butterfly kisses."
Thank you, daddy. I love you.
Love always,
Your Little Girl
