Those of us who weren't lucky enough to have our fathers in our lives often have the best uncles.

For me, that is my amazing Uncle Joel.

He always seems to be there, waiting with open arms to grasp me into a healing hug. His laughter is contagious and his smile is filled with pride. His humor leaves me rolling around on the ground with laughter. More importantly, he helped me heal the abandonment wounds that my father gave me.

So, this is a letter to my Uncle JW.

My crazy funkle-uncle, you have been one of the greatest blessings in my entire life. You are the one who always knows how I feel. You always seem to be able to put into words what I can not. You're able to finish the sentences that described the pain I felt during childhood. You were the one who always supported me no matter what. More importantly, you love me like your own daughter.

When I'm around you, even if it's just for a short period of time, I always feel so much happier. Like a sense of relief comes from knowing that you will always be there to love me. Even on the hardest of days, your big ol' smile somehow brings happiness back to me. I can't really explain it... You're like my best friend! No matter what I feel, rain or shine, a hug from you helps mend the pain.

I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for standing by me for 19 years. Some of my most treasured memories are the little moments that we spent together as a family. Night time car rides while laughing our tails off or fishing down at the pier. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. To me, those laughs are priceless.

You gave me what my father couldn't. You gave me love, encouragement, happiness, and more importantly, you gave me peace. Having you in my life has given me a taste of what it's like to have a father. After all, you are one of the only few in my life who knows what that pain feels like.

You never stopped believing in me. When I decided to go back to high school, I knew how proud that would make you. For my entire life, I've seen you working with students who have difficulties just like I do. Having your positivity around me made me believe that someday I can do all of the things I aspire to do.

I don't say it enough, but I love you to the moon and back. I appreciate you more than I could ever describe. You're my inspiration to keep going every day. You're my number one! The words 'thank you' will never be enough, but that's a start.

Thank you for having my back. Thank you for being the listening ear and that shoulder to cry on. Thank you for keeping faith in me and routing me on no matter what. Thank you for loving me when I didn't love myself.

I hope you know that you will always be the best father I could ever ask for... even if you aren't mine.

Your love for me made me realize that the pain my dad caused me wasn't my fault. Your love made me realize that I do have self-worth and just because my father doesn't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there. Your love made me feel like a whole person again.

The thing is, you CHOSE to love me. You chose to help raise me into who I am. My dad didn't choose that, but you did. That has brought me more peace than anything. You chose me and that is all I've ever wanted.

I want you to know that I will never stop trying my best. If I succeed in something, I'm doing it because I know you'll be proud. If I'm fighting, it's because that's what you've taught me.

One day, I hope you'll walk me down the aisle. I hope you'll be able to see me become who you've inspired me to be. I hope that I'll make you proud.

I may not have my dad, but I have the world's best uncle and that's even better.

Love, your favorite niece