Dear Dad,

Thank you. Thank you for being the first man that I've ever loved. Thank you for bringing me flowers just because. Thank you for always making me feel beautiful. I really don't say it enough, but I am so grateful for all of the moments that you have dried my tears and told me I am special. You have treated me like a princess, and you love me unconditionally.

When my heart was broken, you hugged me tightly and told me you don't mind going to jail. In moments that I have felt beaten down and discouraged, you reminded me of my worth. Even when I thought I had let you down, you said that wasn't possible and listed every way I had made you proud.

Thank you for taking me to church and telling me all about Jesus, my heavenly father, and how much he loves me. You have made it easier for me to accept the love God has for me by caring about me so much and by encouraging me to grow in my faith.

I may be growing up, Dad, but that doesn't mean you're any less important to me. You will always be my father; the man who raised me to be the woman I am becoming. You have set the standard for how I should be treated, both by how you love me and how you love my mother. You work hard so that I can achieve the goals I have set for myself, and you support me every step of the way.

One day I will have a family of my own, and I hope that my future husband can love me and my children the way that you have loved me and my mother. Even then though, Dad, I won't forget the man who loved me first. I will always be your little girl, and though I may forget to tell you sometimes, I am so blessed to have a father such as you. Thank you for all that you do, Dad. It doesn't go unnoticed.

Love,

Your daughter