From the moment I was born, I was daddy’s little girl. It didn’t take much to have him wrapped around my finger. To this day, eighteen years later, not much has changed. I don’t get to see him everyday, but I know we both cherish the time we spend together.

Thank you for everything that you have done.

Thank you for being there for me those nights I was fighting with mom and needed someone to talk to. Thank you for making me laugh at times I didn’t think I could laugh. Thank you for always believing in me and my dreams.

Thank you for making sure we stay close.

Not everyone has a close relationship with both of their parents, but I am so grateful that I do. I know that I will never have to worry about about us drifting apart. I know that our relationship will continue to grow over the years.

Thank you for moving to Las Vegas (but also coming home).

Both you and mom have shown me different parts of the world, and I thank you for showing me Las Vegas. I joke and say that it’s your fault I’m going almost 3,000 miles away for college, but it’s true. If you didn’t move to Las Vegas, I wouldn’t have toured UNLV. Although, at the time I was so angry at you for moving, I am now grateful because it has given me this wonderful opportunity. Thank you for coming home on Father’s Day and surprising me.

Thank you for being the “Fun Parent”.

I’m not sure I ever told you this, but I always thought of you as the “fun parent” and mom as the “responsible parent” (we both know that’s true). This is because whenever I would spend the weekend with you, we would do something fun, which is what I loved doing with you. I loved going to movies and going to Boston. Which leads me into my next thing.

Thank you for making sure I know the history of where I am from.

For as long as I can remember, every time I was with you, we would spend a day in Boston. Thank you for making sure I knew the name of the bridges. Thank you for making sure I knew the names of certain buildings. Thank you for making sure I knew my way around Boston. Thank you for teaching me the Subway routes.

Dad, you have given me so much over the years, and I know I can’t fit it all into one article. I know you think that you’re just an average dude, but you are much more to me. You’ve shown me that if I work hard enough and stay focused, I can accomplish anything. I don’t know if I will ever be able to give back to you what you have given me, but I can at least take what you have taught me and put it to good use. You’re one of my biggest fans, and I know that you’re proud to be my dad, but I’m just as proud to be your daughter. I love you, dad.

Love Always,

Petunia.