To my lovely, funny, kind father -

You have done so much for me and my sibling. You've protected us as we grow, but never hold us back. You work tirelessly to provide us with a home and everything we need to be happy and safe. You treat your family with the most respect. The best of all, you love us unconditionally. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for these grand, priceless acts of love. However, there are so many things you do that appear small, but mean so much to me that you need to know. So, thank you:

For handing me cash when I need it most.

I can't begin to imagine the amount of money you have spent on me since I was born, yet here I am asking for more. Whether I "need" it to buy the adorable skirt I saw at the mall yesterday or to fill up my gas tank that is ridiculously close to empty, it means a lot. I don't think I've ever realized how often I ask for money and how many times you give it to me, no questions asked. I promise that I will try my best to pay you back next time.

For not giving me cash when I ask.

There have been multiple times where I have texted you and asked for money so that I could avoid the dreaded dining hall food. I know I might throw a fit when you refuse and tell me to start saving my own money or take advantage of the meal plan you pay so much money for, but it just teaches me to stop spending all my money on random, unnecessary items that I will use for a week tops. You have forced me to realize that I am an adult and cannot keep spending my money on irrational things.

For keeping my car in good condition.

Honestly, if it weren't for you, my car wouldn't have lasted a year. You always remind me when it needs a sticker or the tires need air. If there is a strange noise coming from it when I start it up, you always fix it. You've never let me drive it if you weren't sure I was 100 percent safe when driving it. My poor car would be in the junk yard if I was the only one taking care of it. From now on, I'll try my best to keep it clean.

For tagging me in pictures/articles.

If I get a notification on Facebook from you then I know it's going to be entertaining. Whether it's a TBT photo of me from preschool or an interesting article about photography, I always enjoy whatever you tag me in. Just avoid posting pictures of me from the age of thirteen to sixteen. Those weren't my best years.

For allowing me to hog the television.

I know you've become used to being able to watching whatever you want when I'm at school. So, when I'm home it's probably annoying to hear the 'Gilmore Girls' theme song play constantly. But you never complain. I love sitting next to you on the couch and watching you become just as into the story line as I am. I think we both know that Rory is better off without Jess. And thank you for never forcing me to change 'The Bachelor' when I'm watching it. For that, I promise you that I will never ask if I can change the channel Friday nights while you're watching 'Hawaii 5-0' and 'Blue Bloods'.

For introducing me to amazing music.

I never would have fell in love with Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, or any other old musicians (yes, i'm sorry, but they are considered old now) if it weren't for you. I love going through your albums and reflecting on the songs that you played constantly as I grew up. You introduced me to some of the best artists in the business and I think of you every time I hear certain songs play. To this day, I still remember every lyric to 'Katie Wants a Fast One' by Steve Wariner and Garth Brooks. And I will finally admit that Elvis Presley is amazing and will always be the King of rock n roll. However, that doesn't mean I will watch all of his movies with you. Also, you're welcome for introducing you to Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Gavin DeGraw. I know you love them.

For taking pictures.

Even my earliest memories feature you with your camera. You are constantly taking photos of everything. From our Christmas dinner to an impromptu summer barbecue. Because of this, your love of photography was passed down to me. I love being able to say that I got my passion for taking photos from my father. Also, I have hundreds of photo albums to look at whenever I become even a little nostalgic. Some of my favorite memories are forever preserved in a photo because of you. Even though it's rare that you are ever actually in any of the photos, it still means a lot for me to be able to relive some of the best days of my childhood through the pictures you took.

For encouraging me to follow my dreams.

You have always pushed me to do what makes me happy. Whether that means changing my major to something completely different, transferring schools, or taking some time off; you have always supported me. You tell me to do something even though you know it will require a lot of hard work and dedication because you know I can do it as long as I put my heart into it. You have believed in me every step of the way and have had faith in everything I've ever done. I will always be grateful for that.

Thank you, daddy, for always being there for me and for dropping everything just to be with me when I need you. For understanding when I mess up and always forgiving me no matter what it is I've done. You give me so much happiness in life and I will forever be proud to call you my father.

I love you more than life itself.

Love,

Your daughter