Sometimes in life, we have people that cross our paths that make the journey more enjoyable, and you did just that. You came along and mended what was a broken and desolate little girl. A little girl who had lost hope in a father, a little girl who could not take much more heartache and disappointment, a little girl who wanted to feel loved by her father.

I heard so many stories about nightmare step-parents who are cold and bitter, but you were warm and loving. Never once did you treat me any differently than your own child. I remember sitting on the kitchen counter cooking eggs with you and making milkshakes. I remember when you asked mom to marry you and how you sat us down on the couch and talked to us before you asked her. I remember you promising to always love us on the back steps of the chapel where you and mom got married and you giving us those charm bracelets.

Because of you, I finally had a steady father figure. I got to tell all of my friends about things we would do together. You were at every game and practice supporting me and you never let me go a day without feeling loved.

So for all that you have done, I need to say thank you. For loving me, for accepting me, for pushing me, for supporting me, and for never leaving my side. You truly are a blessing to my life and to our family and I am thankful the Lord led you to us. I'm thankful for the laughter and the love you bring into our family, but most important of all, I am thankful you stepped in and filled a hole that so badly needed to be filled.

In my eyes, I never viewed you any less because you were my "step-dad". If anything, I looked at you in a more respectful way because of the way you loved me and continue to love me as your own "blood" child.

You filled a void that I had, you poured out love, and you have continued to do that for the past 15+ years.

I'm forever thankful for you and all you've done, even when I don't tell you like I should.