Dear Homie, (I mean Dad,)

I’m so glad we’re BFFs. That means Best Friends Forever (I know you’re not very updated on the current lingo.)

Even though I’m away at college, I still need my daily dose of Dad.

(That’s you.)

I just wanted to take a moment or two to thank you for everything you do for me on a daily basis. Because even though there’s no such thing as being the perfect person, you’re the perfect dad.

You raised me a Blackhawks fan. Thank you for showing me the right path. I would be so lost without that guidance.

You raised me to be a Packers fan. Again, you raised me the right way.

You have taken me to countless baseball and hockey games. Definitely times I won’t forget. And I wouldn't trade those memories for anything in the world.

You took me to every daddy/daughter dance, despite my nine-year-old self saying I was too old for them. I’m glad you still took me and gave me some great memories with you.

You always have a way to bring out the kid in me. As much as I try to act like the responsible adult that my almost 19-year-old self calls me to be, you always have a way to bring out my silly side and have fun. (i.e. tackling me, making me cry laughing, and never ending inside jokes.)

A photo of us on my senior prom is the background on your phone.

You're on my phone's background too.

Literally cannot go a day without being on the phone with you and texting.

You always show me unconditional love. And never end any type of conversation without reminding me of how much you love me.

You tell the nerdiest jokes, but it's OK because you're an old man so I'll cut you some slack.

You always remind me of my worth and make sure I remember it for myself.

You tell me to stay away from boys because you "said so." But in the end, you only want my future husband to see everything that you do and I'm glad you give me more perspective on relationships. You really only want the best for me.

You're my go-to person with any type of news. I tell you everything before I even tell my friends (who are my age).

You work hard everyday to be the father I need. In your personal and professional life, you make me your top priority. And I'll be forever grateful for that.

In my times of need, you drop everything to make sure I'm OK.

You show me the qualities I hope to find in my husband one day. I pray he has a big, infectious smile, and an even bigger heart like you do. I hope he has your charisma, beaming happiness, and a soul full of love. I hope he shows our children as much fun and love that you've shown me my whole life.

You showed me that even though it's important to accept the flaws in others, we also need to accept the flaws within ourselves as well.

You showed me that sometimes it's OK to not be OK, but with prayer and dedication, everything will work out because God has a plan for all of our lives. Just have to keep praying. Those words of wisdom always get me through my worst day.

You showed me how important it is to have a good relationship with family, because they are God's greatest gift. And that bond will never be broken. You are my greatest gift.

You make me feel like the most special girl in the world, every time you pull out my chair, help me put my coat on, and open my doors. You speak softly and show me how I deserve to be treated. You've shown me how much I'm worth to you and how much my husband should value me as well.

Who else would watch Harry Potter marathons with me and actually enjoy themselves?

Thanks for being such a wonderful father. And thanks for giving me your cool blue eyes, homie. God blessed me so much by giving me you. You're my best friend in the whole world and I would be so lost without you. We didn't used to have this strong of a relationship, but I am ever so thankful that God has blessed us to make up for lost time. You always encourage me to be my best and do my best. You make sure I never go a day without pursuing my dreams. You support me in every single one of my aspirations. You were made to be my father, and for that, I'm eternally grateful.

A lot of kids don't get to grow up with good dads or have a dad in their life at all, but thank you so much for choosing me every single day. You're a good man and an even better father.

Thank you for everything you've done and everything you continue to do for me. I can't even express the love I have in my heart for my amazing father. You're my hero. Always have been. And you always will be.

I just hope you remember that no matter how old I am or wherever I go, I'll always be your little girl. Thank you for loving me as much as you do. You're the realest homie around.