Dear stepfather,

Thank you.

I know the past 18 years have not been the smoothest, and I know I have been difficult. You remained steadfast in times of extreme trial, and I want to thank you for it.

I’d like to thank you for choosing me, even though you had no obligation to. I was abandoned by the man who was supposed to be there, and you stepped up to take his place the day I called you mommy Jimmy. Thank you for loving me from the moment you met me, and thank you for continuing to do so.

You are so strong. You are an extremely compassionate, calm man, and these characteristics do not come easily. You have carried the burdens of my mother and myself, in spite of it draining you at times. You are smart enough to think before you speak and act, and your clarity amazes me.

Thank you for making me laugh all the time. Thank you for always finding light in the most bleak situations. You always have the right advice, the perfect story or words.

My mother and I have a bad habit of bringing home dogs. I was 10 years old when my mom brought home a foster dog, Dougan (though his name is Riley now), and you insisted to my mother that three dogs was enough. When I asked you why we couldn’t keep the dog, you said, “Because your mother is cold and heartless.”

Thank you for letting us keep him.

Growing up, you were always there. You took me to every father-daughter dance, taught me to ride a bike and change a tire. You are half of who I am today, and God am I proud of that.

You took me fishing when I was young. You taught me to enjoy the silence and to concentrate. Waiting peacefully by the water, you’d tell me stories of the trouble you got into as a kid. You taught me not to do anything you’d do but to live my life fully as you have.

I am proud to know you, to call you my father and to call you my friend. Thank you for being consistent, kind and a light in the darkness for me. Thank you for giving me hope, constantly teaching me and helping me grow.

You’re the best father I could ask for, and you never had to be.

Here's to you, mommy Jimmy.

I love you dearly,

Your daughter