Dear Daddy,

For a while, I always heard that I looked like you. We were standing in Publix and a lady told us we were cookie cutters of each other. I never really cared; I just kind of brushed it off and smiled. But now, I say it with pride. I almost brag about how we look a like because I’m hoping that because we look alike I can be just like you. You are my role model Daddy, and I have so much because of you. You are so humble and kind, hard working and genuine. So Daddy, thank you.

I always tell you that and you always say, "You're welcome sweetie," but I never explain what I mean. So Daddy, thank you for your help, your love, your support and your kindness. Thank you for steering me away from all the awful guys who tried to walk into my life. Thank you for the countless hours of driving you've done with me. You have been there through all my major milestones and I cannot wait to continue to achieve more milestones with you by my side. Daddy, you taught me how to walk, ride a bike, play sports, drive a car, write a paper and so many other things.

But Daddy, thank you for caring. Thank you for grounding me when I was a teenager and for taking my phone when my grades were slipping. I know I was a meany butt at the time, but thank you. Because although I hated it when it was happening, now I can look back and be thankful that I had a dad who cared enough to do it. You taught me so many life lessons through that and instilled in me. You taught me that hard work doesn't always payoff, but when it does it is the best feeling in the world.

Daddy, most importantly, thank you for loving me with all your heart. Thank you for singing me to sleep when I was a little girl. Thank you for putting me up on your shoulders when we were walking through Disney world. Thank you for walking back and forth on the airplane from Texas to California just so I wouldn't cry. But Daddy, thank you for loving my sisters just as much as you love me and for loving mommy even more. Daddy, your love is something that inspires me every day. So I truly can say with my whole heart, you have made the world a better place and no matter how many times I say thank you, it will never be enough.

So, I love you Daddy and thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me, no matter how small in your eyes they are, they are always huge in mine. I am honored and bless to have you are my father and role model and I would never wish it anyway. So to all the fathers out there, thank you for everything that you have done for your daughters and sons.