Dear Dad,

I’ve always been a “daddy’s girl” from the start. I loved playing catch with you in the backyard and going to baseball games with you while growing up. I loved camping with you and sitting by the campfire while roasting s’mores. I loved going on hikes and many other adventures with you during my childhood. We had a lot of great memories when I was little, but there’s a catch- You’re not like the other dad’s out there.

In addition to all of those great childhood memories, we also experienced a lot of suffering and sadness. However, when pain struck and mom left us, you somehow managed to keep yourself together and you fought as much as you could to keep me together, too. You dealt with my teenage mood swings and frantic outfit crises. You bought the wrong shampoo, but I still used it and appreciated the fact that you tried. You learned how to put my hair up when I was little, and you learned that while shopping it is better off to let me pick out everything. You took the role of both parents. You were my taxi driver, my cheerleader at all of my school plays, and my cook every single night when I came home. Even if I had to wait until you got off the late shift, I would because it was worth it to spend those few minutes catching up with you every day. You were my main support through everything, and that’s what makes our connection so strong to this day.

Like all teenagers and their parents, we fought a lot. We have our disagreements, but me going away to college has done us a lot of good. We’re starting to learn to agree to disagree because we will never see eye to eye on everything, but that’s okay with me. I love you for you, and everything we’ve been through has shaped me into who I am today. My love for nature, my love for alternative rock music, and my appreciation for simple meals and take-out are all because of you. You’re strong. You’re courageous. You’re hard working. You’re kind-hearted. You’re creative. You’re brave. You’re hilarious. You’re a wise guy, and I have you to thank for my sarcasm and sass. Our differences taught me that it’s important to stand up for my beliefs and to follow my own path in life, however, you will always be my hero and I will always look up to you.

So thank you, dad. I know it wasn’t easy being the single father, but you did it, and I think you did a pretty great job. I love you and I wouldn’t trade you or our relationship for the world. I admire your hard work and strength more and more each and every day that passes and I am so proud of you for making it through all of the pain we’ve been through. Keep making me proud, and I promise I’ll make you even more proud.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter