Growing up in a modest house with hard-working parents, my dad learned from a young age that you have to work for what you want. You have to work hard. Every day of my life he has worked hard to give me, my mom, and brother the best experiences and opportunities possible. I don't think he gets enough credit, so here's what I should say more often, and I'm sorry that I don't:

Dear dad,

For as long as I can remember, you have been the strongest, most dependable and caring man in my life. You taught me how to ride a bike and never let me fall. You taught me that just because you can't solve a problem on the first try, you can't give up. And you taught me if my date doesn't open my door, the date should be over.

You showed me that love isn't always pretty, but it's forgiving. When I make mistakes, you show me understanding.

When I wanted to play sports, you practiced with me. When I cheered, you sat in the stands at every game, wearing a girly button just to show that I was your daughter. In awards ceremonies and graduations, you cheered for me at an inappropriate volume. On bid day, you were there with pride and excitement. No matter what I do, I always feel your support.

When life got hard, you never walked away. As our house became an open hangout for our friends, you never made them feel unwelcome. And whether it's boys or friends, you never let me settle for less than I deserve.

You trust me to make my own decisions. You let me make my own mistakes. And when other people let me down, you comfort me. You've always been by my side to defend me, even when I didn't deserve it.

You've provided everything I've ever asked for and more. You've laughed with me, and cried with me. Whether I wanted someone to hangout with or needed someone to cheer me up, you've always been there. And you've always put me before yourself.

When it came time to choose a college, you never pressured me. You just helped me to find a place that really felt like home. Growing up, when you took me to LSU football games, I could tell it was a special place to you. But for a long time, I didn't understand why. Then one day, I started to see this beautiful place for what it really was, and for what it meant to you. A place everyone was passionately happy to be. and I wanted to be a part of it.

As much as I miss you already, I'm so excited to share this school with you. You've never steered me wrong.

So what I'm trying to say is, thank you. Thank you for teaching me, supporting me, spoiling me, and guiding me. You'll always be my favorite guy.

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Geaux Tigers!