Growing up I didn't have the most normal of lives but I was very fortunate. I was too young to remember my parents splitting up but I think the decision they made was the best for them and for me. It's obvious as I get older that my parents are not compatible so I'm glad they split and were civil around each other while I was growing up.

I have heard one too many horror stories about split parents and the strife the children endure between the two parents. Constant fighting and bad communication makes it all the more harder for the kids growing up, especially when a custody battle arises. I never had to go through any of that, my life was weeks with Mom and weekends with Dad. That's a paradise most kids in my shoes can't even begin to imagine.

My mom always had her hands full and with her, I had two other siblings so I was not always her primary worry, she had to split her time between us. With my dad however, I was the only one and my dad did everything to ensure I had everything I needed. A lot of kids wind up with a father who's either not there or not as attentive as mine was and continues to be. I got very lucky and I will always be grateful for him.

My dad has taught me so much and as I move into my adult years I'm not as scared as I would have been without his amazing guidance. I'm still quite young, so even today I'm still learning but he continues to make sure I'm on the right path. Recently I made my first mistake in judgment and he helped me through it. I don't know how I'd have gotten as far as I have without him and I can't even begin to thank him enough for everything.

Today I can proudly say I have graduated college, it wasn't an easy task but I got through it. Both my parents have always pushed me to be better than my self-esteem makes me feel but Dad always pushed me the most. I have not landed a job in my career yet, hopefully someday soon, but my dad continues to make sure my real goal is clear to me. "Don't let yourself get too comfortable" "Keep looking for jobs in your field." These are constants that I keep in the back of my head.

"I don't want you to just be my daughter anymore, get out there and find what you're interested in, you've got to start living your own life." This is the advice I keep with me as I move through my days because it's absolutely right, nobody finds anything without trying. These blurbs of wisdom have helped me struggle through in the toughest times.

I can't begin to comprehend what life would have been like without such an amazing father, I know I'd have gotten lost more when I was younger without him and I'm grateful to still be able to lean on him when I need to as I move further into my adult years.

So thank you Dad, for everything you've given me and everything you've helped me with. Thank you for always making sure I succeed and for continuing to push me, even when I've felt like giving up. Thank you for surrounding me with people who have helped me through a lot as well and thank you for just being there and listening when I needed someone. I love you and I will forever be grateful!