On May 21, 2010, I hopped off the school bus and ran to my house, like I would have any other day. This day, however, wasn't like every other — it was one that would change my life forever.
On May 21, 2010, I became a member of the Reynolds family. My mom and stepdad had been working hard to have him adopt my sisters and me as his own, and it had finally paid off. We were now members of the Reynolds family, and we could call ourselves his daughters. That was a big day for my sisters and me, and I have decided to write this to thank my dad for everything her has done for me since he came into my life.
First, I would like to thank you for always pushing me to be successful. You always make sure that I'm working my hardest to do as well as I can, in school and in everything else I'm involved in. You helped me to understand that if something is worth doing, you need to do your best at it, and if you aren't trying your hardest, there's no point in doing it in the first place. I have tried to carry that with me through work and school, to push myself to be the best that I can be. You have always supported me in what I have decided to do, and always give great guidance in making decisions. I remember being unsure of what I wanted to do for college, and your advice helped me to make the best decision for me.
Thank you for all the support you have given me since you met me. Whether it be coming to watch me play sports (even though I'm not the most athletic person in the world), coming to hear me sing at my choir concerts or giving me rides to work and Key Club events, you are always willing to support me. Even though I'm not the best at everything I do, your support has always made it feel worth it.
Thank you for helping me to become a better me. When we first met, I wasn't the best kid in the world, and I still have my moments, but you have helped me to become the woman I am today. I feel like I would never have accomplished some of the things I have without you and Mom supporting me. I know at times I have resented your advice, but as I get older, I realize your advice was always what was best for me. It kept me out of trouble and helped me improve as a person.
Thank you for filling my life with laughter. You make the craziest song parodies and always tell the funniest stories. I still laugh thinking about us getting embarrassed in public when you're having fun with us (and I'm still sorry about that time I didn't dance with you at Disney). I have many fond memories of laughing with everyone about something funny you said or did. Little things you do always brighten my day. I feel as though my life would be really boring without your humor in it.
Thank you for helping me to become confident in myself. You have taught me that I am a beautiful, smart, strong woman who can do anything she puts her mind to. I am grateful to have had your encouragement even when I was feeling down. I never thought I would have accomplished some of the things I have, and I am happy to say that you definitely helped with that. You always help me to brush off the disappointments in life to move forward to what's next. I would not be who I am today without you.
Thank you for filling my life with adventure. I never imagined I'd go whitewater rafting in Montana or zip lining in Yellowstone. I never thought I'd be seeing Taylor Swift in concert. I never imagined spending weekends driving in the mountains to see how many deer and bear we could find, or decorating our house with a crazy amount of decorations on Halloween. You make life a lot more fun and have helped me to create many memories that I will hold onto forever.
Thank you so much for all of the opportunities you have given my sisters and me since you came into our lives. You have changed our lives forever, and for better. I am very thankful that you decided to take us in as your own, and as a member of the Reynolds family. I love you, Dad. Happy birthday and happy Father's Day!
