As I near 20 years of being on this planet, I have to admit that there were days they felt like eternities. From wanting to start school, to wanting to drive, to wanting to graduate, to wanting to start college, there were times in my life that couldn't come fast enough. Yet, for you, I'm sure there were moments you wanted to stop and live in for as long as you were able. Looking at your only daughter grow up into a woman after 20 years must be weird, but I hope, somewhere in your heart, I'm still your little girl.
I can't sit here and tell you what it's like to be a parent, but I can tell you what it's like to be the child of a father I can be proud of. After almost 20 years, I don't recall a single serious fight nor can I remember a time I was genuinely mad at you. We just clicked and you understood me no matter how different I became from you or how far down a different path I went.
You support my dreams and ambitions even when it's something you would never do. You tell me to go for it even if it's something I would rather walk away from. You listen, you joke, you comfort, you treat me like a human being. While we don't live together and I don't recall a time when we did, you were never far from me.
You were always a text away, a phone call away, a Facebook message away. When I needed something, you were there, no matter what time it was or day of week it happened to be. In our situation, where most fathers would leave, you stayed. Not only did you stay, you became involved. You wanted to know what I was doing, you wanted to hear about my life and where I wanted to go with it. Whenever I needed to cry, you let me. When I had good news, you celebrated with me. When I just needed a moment to vent or go on and on about my opinion or childish nonsense, you listened.
You remind people that I am your daughter and the way you say it makes it sound like you wouldn't have it any other way. You make sure people are aware that you would protect me no matter what and they better watch out. You go around and tell people how proud you are of your little girl. Guess what? I go around and tell people how much I love my dad, and I make sure they know it!
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. To me, you will always be my daddy. No matter how different we become or where I go in life, you were, still are and will forever be my daddy. I love you so much and I can't say that enough. Happy Father's Day to a dad who deserves nothing but the best in life.
