Dear Dad,

As I grow older it gets even harder to fathom all that you have done for me throughout my life. You’ve helped shape me into the person I am today. I see some of your best qualities in myself, and I cherish those parts of you that are also a part of who I am.

Thank you for all of your sacrifices.

As I look back on my life, I begin to notice all that you gave up just so I could have everything I do. Thank you for deploying by yourself just so I could stay with my friends and continue my activities in school. Thank you for the little things, like staying home to watch our dog so we could go out and travel and explore. Thank you for working hard and often to provide me with anything I might want.

Thank you, Dad, for showing me what it really means to be selfless when you love someone so much. Thank you for doing the things, big and small, easy and difficult, that gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Thank you for showing me bravery.

Thank you for teaching me to push through tough times and stick out uncomfortable situations. You told me that every new experience is an opportunity to learn something, and you have always been right. Without you teaching me to be brave, I’d never take chances like I do. You have always told me not to fear the unknown, and that life is all about experiencing new things.

Thank you, Dad, for teaching me to face my fears and that it will be okay no matter the outcome. Thank you for telling me that I don’t have to be a big, tough Marine like you are in order to fear nothing on this earth, and that the risk is always worth it.

Thank you for teaching me that it is okay to feel.

We’ve been through tough times. We’ve experienced loss together, and life hasn’t always been easy in those times. Thank you for showing me that it’s okay to be sad, and that emotions are important. Thank you for showing me that it’s not about being tough all the time. I am grateful for having deep conversations about life with you, and for you caring about how I feel.

Thank you, Dad, for teaching me to be opinionated and to have emotions. Thank you for showing me yours, and helping me understand that it’s important to have feelings.

Thank you for showing me the value of hard work.

You have shown me the importance of working hard and how far it can get you. Thank you for showing me that hard work and committing myself to a standard of excellence in what I do is important. You taught me that hard work is worth it and that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Thank you, Dad, for working hard and setting an example for me. Thank you for inspiring me and showing me that anything is possible with hard work.

Thank you for loving me endlessly and supporting me no matter what.

You have always cheered me on. Thank you for always supporting my decisions and wanting the best for me. You have always told me all you want is for me to be happy, and I am most thankful for that. Thank you for your guidance in tough situations, letting me make mistakes, and helping me learn and grow from them. Thank you for always being proud of me, and letting me know that all I can do is try my best. You have cheered me on my entire life, and your support means the world to me. Most importantly,

Thank you, Dad, for being you, and for being my father.