Dad,

I write this for you because you deserve to know how influential your role as a father has been in my life. Since the beginning, you have taught me how to be loved and love in return. From the moment I took my first breath, to the day you let me go off to college you never doubted me. You have believed in my strengths and helped me with my weaknesses. You showed up to all my high school games after a full day of work and still come out to see me play even when I am hours away. You held my hand when I had my first heartbreak and picked me right back up again because you were the first man to love me. You taught me what love was from the second I came into this world. You showed me what it feels like to be treated with respect and what my expectations should be.

But most of all, you believe in me even when I get knocked down. You taught me how to be a mature young woman but still how to be tough. Your humbleness has given me faith in others. You are giving to everyone you care about. You provide so much for the people in your life regardless of your past or what has brought you down. But in all of this, you taught me how to smile and appreciate the small, precious moments that I have had within my lifetime.

You are the first man I ever loved. Some day you will walk me down the aisle and although you may think it is a goodbye, It is truly a thank you. You will let go of my hand but never my heart. I will thank you for raising me to find someone that will complete all the parts of me that you loved from the beginning. You showed me that love is being strong and humble. Love is respect and support. Love never gives up. As I continue to grow, I will thank you every day for continuing to love the person I am today. All of the parts someone will love will because you loved them first. And you always will.

Love,

Your Daughter