Growing up me and my dad always had a close bond, most called me a daddy's girl (sorry mom). From piano recitals to him coaching my soccer team and everything in between my dad has been there supporting me at every important moment in my life, something I took for granted.

Being so far away from him has made me realize and appreciate everything he has done and taught me. I wish I hadn't taken him for granted and thanked him more when I was home but like he always says better late than never.

Dear Dad,

I still remember trying to fit in your slippers and walking around the house cause I wanted to be just like you. How I would brag to everyone that I was just like you because you were my hero, you still are. I grew up watching you, loving what you loved and trying to learn everything and anything from you.

I remember people always saying I was daddy's girl and I just couldn't help but smile because while it was true you were also so much more than just my dad. You're my hero, my role model, my best friend and my dad all in one.

Thank you for protecting me from the world I wasn't ready for. Thank you for sacrificing so much so that I could do the things I loved and receive an amazing education. Thank you always be my number one fan from soccer games to pageant to just life, in general, I knew I could always count on you to be rooting me on.

Thank you for loving me and respecting my decisions even if you didn't agree with all of them. Thank you for teaching me I can be anything I wanted it to be. I could go on and on for days thanking you for each and everything you've done for me and taught me but the most important thing I want to thank you for is for always being there for me and for loving me.

You showed me what love looks like and you never once gave up on me.

I am so extremely proud to call you my dad. You are one of the best people I know. I would be so happy if I grew up to be half the person that you are. So while I have left the nest and the comfort and familiarity of your arms I want you to know two things. One being how thankful and grateful I am for you and all that you do.

The second being even though I'm not that little girl you use to make up bedtime stories for I will always be YOUR little girl.

I love you to the moon and back forever and always.