Dear Dad,

I want the world to know how much you mean to me and the difference that you have made in my life. I honestly do not know who or what I would be if you never came into my life. I cannot recall a time in my life that you weren't there, and that fact alone means the world to me. You encouraged a relationship with my biological father when no one else would. When I wanted nothing more than to just call you my dad, we stopped calling you "Uncle Justin" and you became our father. You brought together our family in a way that was never done before. All I wanted was to come home to an unbroken family, and that was what we had become. When it comes down to it, you never had to love me. But you did, and you do.

A few years ago when I began to lose myself, you helped me pick up the pieces. You stopped everything and helped me get back up on my feet. I will always remember the many conversations that lasted for sometimes hours. When I was hurt or upset, you knew. Even if I had not. You always made sure that I had clothes on my back, food to eat, and a bed to sleep in. Although these do carry their own meaning, the support you have shown for me, carries much more weight.

There were no excuses when I had a chorus concert or a play. You were always there. I know for a fact that if the roles were reversed, and you were living three hours away, you would still find a way to be there. And, as you were sitting there in the audience, you would have the decency and the respect to not be on your phone. You truly wanted to be there to support me, and I knew that.

In my life, I have never wanted anything more in any relationship than honesty. I believe that I have learned that from you. I have also learned self-respect, loyalty, responsibility, and the ability to laugh at myself. Although I do not like to admit it, you have been right about everything (especially when it comes to my boyfriends). Because of you, my perspectives have changed. You have only wanted me to achieve my goals and have celebrated my successes. What more could I ask from you?

You brought along a group of people who have truly become my family. I honestly do not know what I would do without Mema or Papa. They have always treated me as their own granddaughter. I wouldn't want any other cousins or uncles or people that truly love me even with us not sharing a drop of blood. I will never forget the many vacations that we have all taken and how I was included when my own father left me home on many of them. I will never forget the memories that I have been lucky enough to experience.

And if all of this was not enough, you allowed me to bear your last name. I have never felt better than to let go of my past and to focus on the present. Mom and I know that we would not have been able to deal with everything in our lives at the moment, if it was not for you. I have no reason to be jealous of your own children because I have become one of them. I can never thank you enough for the life you have provided me with. I would honestly be lost without you holding the compass.

When it comes down to it, you never had to love me. But you did, and you do.

Love Always,
Lexi