Daddio,

I’m five hours from home right now. I haven’t seen you in some time, but just know that I think of you often. I know it doesn’t seem like I do, because my texts and phone calls are few and far between. But do understand that I adore you and you are always on my mind. How could I not? You were the first boy I loved. I am your fourth child of five and the youngest daughter of three. I am your baby girl. I always have been and always will be.

For 19 years I have been a part of your life and not all of them were pretty. Yes, there was that stage when I became too cool for you and it didn’t seem like I could give you any of my time. I was rarely home and when I was with you I gave you nothing but attitude. But please understand this:

My admiration for you never wavered.

For as long as I can remember you’ve been my biggest fan in life. At any event I could look into the crowd and see your face. Or at soccer games you were always standing by the fence watching my every move. You coached me for many years of my athletic career and I cherish those memories. It doesn’t seem like it but I remember our road trips, the drives to practice, and the long weekends of soccer tournaments. These memories helped shaped my childhood.

Along the way I have faced many hardships. You’d always give me a hug and remind me just how happy you were to call me your daughter. Over the years you have never stopped believing in me. Whether it was in sports or academics, you always pushed me and reminded me to always give my best. I know I got this from you. The drive you have to always push yourself and keep fighting for what you believe in has definitely rubbed off onto your kids. We see all that you do, Dad, and you inspire us daily.

I am five hours from home and there’s not a time where I don’t miss you. On nice days, I miss driving with the windows down and playing a George Strait song I’ve heard over a thousand times. I miss making sarcastic remarks to each other. I miss giving you a hard time about your jokes that sometimes just aren’t all that funny, even though you really believe them to be. I miss watching ESPN with you and Mom getting frustrated with us that we aren’t helping enough around the house. I miss just being at home with you.

I’m 19 years old and you’ve given me nothing but the best since I entered this world. I am beyond blessed to call you my dad. My admiration for you is out of this world. You always say that you’re my biggest fan, but I think it’s the other way around. I couldn’t be more proud to call you Dad.

As I continue to grow in this world and become my own person, I know you’ll always be rooting me on every step of the way just like you have done all these years. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. I thank you for this. Oh and one last thing, Dad, you taught me how a woman should be treated simply by the way you loved Mom. A woman needs someone who will protect the ones he loves at all costs, takes care of her always, make her laugh, and makes sure she always feels loved.

Even though I may have found a boy that loves me like this and I love him right back, I don’t want you to ever forget that you were the first boy I loved.

"I love you like a pineapple."

With love,

Mahi Mahi