Dear Dad,

Thank you for absolutely everything that you have done for me. I don't think you'll ever understand just how much it is that I look up to you.

Thank you for always supporting me.

Whenever I needed you, you were always there for me — and still are! It’s safe to say that I had an incredibly difficult time during my first two years of high school, but thanks to you, you always stood by my decisions and supported me throughout my journey. You were my shoulder to cry on when I was sad, the man that said “great job!” when you were proud of me and the one person to tell me to “keep on going” when I was struggling with my academics. It’s because of you where I am today, Dad — and for that, I thank you so much.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

I know I wasn’t the easiest to raise, and I think about it more than you know. It’s safe to say I went through a lot with Mom, but whenever I needed you, you were always there for me, no questions asked.

Thank you for being my #1 fan.

From my middle school and little league softball games to the very brief (and atrocious) time that I played soccer, you were always there cheering me on in the stands. Oh, and we can’t forget the few years that I cheered for Oak Grove! You always helped me get ready for my competitions. That couldn’t have been easy, and for that I commend you!

P.S. You were the real MVP whenever I had snack duty — the Capri Suns and Fruit Roll-ups were a hit.

Thank you for teaching me that family always comes first.

From as early as I can remember, you always encouraged me to spend as much time with our family as possible. It wasn’t always easy seeing both sides of my family though, seeing as you and my mom got divorced when I was young. But we made it work, and for that I am forever grateful.

Thank you for always pushing me to be my best self.

Whenever I’m going through a difficult time with friends or even with someone in our family, you’re always there to give me the best advice. You push me to be the best person I can be and encourage me to be loving and generous. Thanks to you, I'm very proud to be the young woman I am today and am incredibly thankful for the countless values that you have instilled in me, for those will never fade away.

Thank you for always blasting country music with me.

*cough* I liked it first though, just saying ... *cough*

But really, I enjoy when we’re both getting ready and you decide to blast our favorite songs. Whether it’s Luke Bryan’s “I Don’t Want This Night to End” or Cole Swindell’s “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” it’s always a party when we sing at the top of our lungs. However, I'm still skeptical as to why you still haven’t brought me to Crash My Playa in Cancun.

It’s OK Dad, you can make it up to me next year.

Thank you for always playing the "Spongebob Squarepants" theme song every morning on the way to school.

People might think this is an exaggeration. I assure you it’s not. Every morning.

Thank you for binge-watching Netflix with me whenever I’m home.

Whether it’s "The Walking Dead" or "Breaking Bad," we never fail to bust out the popcorn. Oh, and the wine, of course.

So Dad, thank you. You deserve all of the credit in the world. After all, you shaped me into the young woman I am today and I hope you’re as proud of me as I am having you as my dad.

Always and Forever,

Your Proud Daughter