Dear Dad,

First, I love you. It seems weird to say it out loud, publicly, as the whole world has access to it, but it's true and I am not ashamed of it. Sometimes I feel that I don’t say it enough, but that fact hasn’t changed since the day I was born and I am assured that it never will.

Second, thank you for all the things you do for me, from saving the day to saving me a dollar or two, the list is endless, but some of these points must be said as you don’t get enough credit for all that you do.

I consider myself very fortunate as you are the reason there is a roof over my head, shoes on my feet and more, but most importantly, love in my heart. Some don’t have a father growing up, and I am more than lucky to have you in my life. Some don’t have the best relationship with their father either, but some of the things they provide us with can’t be denied of.

Thank you for being my greatest teacher.

You have taught me life lessons that have shaped me to be the person I am today. Sometimes, you can’t always be the ‘good guy’ since it's your job to make sure I learn from my mistakes, and I thank you for doing all in your power to better myself. You have only been understanding when it comes to listening to the faults I have been responsible for, loving me no different. Love comes in all forms, and you have succeeded in every aspect as nothing is better than a parent who wants their child to do good in this world.

Thank you for being my ‘day one,’

As the expression says it all, you have been my day one since day one. From crying with you to laughing with you, you have witnessed both the good and the bad days that I’ve possessed. I appreciate the nights where I had horrendous coughing fits only because you were there to stay up with me and do all that was possible to comfort me. At the end of the day, no matter what has happened, I know you’re always there to look to for consolation.

Thank you for being my rock.

Your support means most as you have taken time out of your busy work schedule to come watch me chase a ball on a muddy field on those cold October nights as you cheer me on, making me feel like I’m number one. Even though both you and I don’t remember the score or my performance from those recreational soccer games, the encouragement you provided me with is stained in my memory as it goes to show you are there every second of the day to be my biggest fan.

You know those cheap mugs that come around every father’s day that say “Number One Dad” on it? Well as Spongebob said it (in that one of many episodes we would watch together) about Smitty Werbenmanjagermanjensen, “He was number one!” You are number one, and always will be.

Love always,

Veronica