Dad,
Over the years, you have had so many opportunities to share your wisdom with me and show me what life is really all about. You also know how to just be there when your daughter just needs a shoulder to cry on and $20 to fill up her gas tank! (You know, SUV's are real gas guzzlers.) I just wanted to say thank you for it all. You are an absolutely amazing father and best friend a girl could ask for and I'm lucky to say that you are both to me.
You have always shown me that life won't go exactly the way we plan, but the journey is always a good one and has a great view. I have never been good with change but you have held my hand the whole way to make sure I know that the world isn't as scary as I think it is. You are always ready to protect me, and I can never thank you enough for that. I have learned in my 20 years of life that the world is a cold and tough place but I think I'll be ready to take it on after I graduate from Plymouth next year.
I know mom sometimes hates how much we are alike and will not be shy to voice it when we start to argue or start to make dumb jokes. Honestly, I think it is the biggest honor to be like you. I love when I meet people who know you, and they say that our personalities are so similar. I love to make people smile and laugh, but I also know not to take crap from anyone. You have shown me how to be a strong person and stand up for everything I believe in. You also have always emphasized how important education is and both you and mom have sacrificed a lot to make sure that I had the best knowledge possible and it has made me a better and well-rounded person.
My favorite thing you have taught me is how to love. You and mom have shown me what 25 years of marriage and endless and unconditional love looks like. How not everyone is always lovey-dovey, love still shows through. Like the best example of you two, when you both say the same thing at the same time and you guys go and high five each other. It is a little strange, but I never fail to see the look you both have on your faces and how much love is between you two after so long. To go along with that, you have shown me how family is the best support system, and leaning on them is ok. They will pick you up off the floor when you need it and sometimes they will just give you a phone call to tell you they miss you lots. The people who are always there for you, though, also don't always have to be blood related. They can be people that have walked into your life and have made a huge impact on you in a short amount of time too. I know we have plenty of those people in our lives and am very grateful for all of them.
Thanks for dealing with me in general. I know it must be tough raising a daughter. You and mom have had to deal with a lot over the years but knowing that I have a great support system behind me means the world. After living in Europe for five months and you guys visiting me for a week to just sitting on the couch watching a Red Sox or Patriots game, I know that the crazy adventures we have will never stop.
I love you to the moon and back Joe.
All my love,
Your not-so-little daughter
