My father wrote me a letter right before my high school graduation. Tears streamed down my face as I read his words, recounting my childhood, the sports I played and the lessons I learned, the person I have become. Tears turned to sobs as his letter conveyed the pride and love he had in and for me. This letter reflected exactly what I had already felt towards him, something I had never told him — until now.

To my father,

I am lucky to be your daughter and blessed to be your friend. You have always pushed me to do my best and to never give up. You have always supported and encouraged me to follow my dreams, pursue my passions, and do what I love.

All I ever wanted to do was make you happy, to make you proud; but, I also want you to know how happy you make me and how proud I am of you. You work so hard every day to give our family everything we need (and even everything we want). Although I may not say it enough, I truly appreciate everything you do and have done for me.

From the time I could talk to the time I graduated high school and walked across that stage — you were always my hero. And you always will be my hero — when I graduate from college, when you walk me down the aisle, and when it is time for me to take care of you.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for sacrificing so much for me, to provide me with this life—a life that truly would not be possible without your hard work, dedication, and unconditional love. Thank you for the big things and thank you for all the little things, too.

Thank you for playing board games with me, even though I'd always cheat. Thank you for teaching me how to throw a baseball and how to ride a bike. Thank you for cheering me on at my soccer and softball games (even though sports were never my thing), and thank you for pushing me to finish out the season, but still supporting my decisions to quit. Thank you for driving me to the mall every weekend before I had a license. Thank you for teaching me how to drive. Thank you for threatening to beat up any boys who hurt me and for welcoming with open arms the boy who won't. And thank you for teaching me that ice cream can make any bad day better.

Thank you for teaching me wrong from right and to always stand up for what I believe in (and thank you for teaching me to believe in myself). Thank you for always being there for me and for giving me someone so amazing to look up to. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being my father.

Love always,

Your daughter.