For as long as I can remember I have been dreaming about the what my future will include. Dreaming about the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect man. As I dream of my perfect future, I can't help but think of the first man I loved.

You taught me what love is, and for that I am forever grateful. Without you I would have no idea what it was I was dreaming of. From day one I knew we had a special connection, one most people would never get to know. The adventures we've gone on, the lessons you have taught me, and the memories we have created will stick with me a lifetime.

Dad, you've been there since the beginning. You never doubted my ability to succeed and gave me the tools I needed to move on and upward in the world. I can't thank you enough for loving me as much as you have. You have taught me that this world is mine for the taking, and you have never limited me. Never have you taken credit for the things I have accomplished even though so many things were only achievable because of you. As your daughter I must give credit where credit is due; you are responsible for the girl I am today.

You have been a mentor, a leader, but most importantly a father. From the days you would read Narnia to me before bed to the days you would drop me off at the high school, there has always been a lesson. When the girl went into the wardrobe you reminded me that taking risks are what make a life. We create our story, and the best way to do that is to move forward into the unknown. You lead me in the direction that you believed would be best for me, but allowed me to change directions if I felt it was better. And through every moment of every day you have shown me more love than I could ever imagine.

I know being my father isn't always easy. I am a handful, and rarely make it a job you should want to do. I go against your wishes, and drag you in to clean up the mess, but you have never complained. Sure, you always made sure I learned from what I had done, but you never left me out to dry. It was in these moments that I realized how much love you had for me. It has been in these moments that I have learned how a man should love me, but most importantly I have learned how I should love myself.

Thank you for not being perfect. Thank you for letting me make mistakes. Thank you for the rough patches. Thank you for the adventures. Most importantly, thank you for being my dad. Stop fearing that your little girl will grow up and move on. You have given me the tools to succeed in this world, and one day I will have to be on my own. One day I will move out and start a family of my own. Dad, don't worry -- one day I will find my prince, but you will always be my king.