Daddy,

With Father's Day coming up this weekend, I started thinking about all the reasons that I am blessed to be your daughter. I quickly realized that this list is never-ending. I could not have been born to a better father than you. I started to wonder if I ever truly thank you enough for all of the big things, and the little things that you do for me. But then again, I could never honestly thank you enough for everything that you do. However, I am going to try anyways...

1. Thank you for loving Mom, and showing me what true love really is.

You two have been together for 26 years now. You might have your differences at times, but after all these years, you treat her with love and devotion. You are an example to me - I inspire to marry a man like you some day. Because of you, I know what qualities I need to look for in a husband. I can never thank you enough for always loving Mom. I am thankful to have two parents who have stayed together and have given me hope for true love.

2. Thank you for being my #1 fan.

I cannot thank you enough for supporting me through every endeavor in my life. Through sports, school, and all of the clubs I have been involved with, you've been by my side every step of the way. Thank you for driving me to my sporting events, cheering me on, motivating me to succeed, and inspiring me to never give up.

3.Thank you for not getting out your gun when I bring a boy to meet you.

I know this is very hard for you. It must be hard watching a young man try to steal your daughter's heart from you. Thank you for not scaring off each boyfriend I have brought home. Daddy, I promise that no matter how much I love another man, I will always love you more. You will forever be my #1 man.

4. Thank you for inspiring me to be creative.

I am thankful to have such a creative Dad. You play instruments, read books, draw pictures, and write stories. Thank you for being a good example and encouraging me to be creative in every part of my life.

5. Thank you working hard for your family.

You work day and night to provide for all of us. I cannot imagine how hard it was to start your own welding business. I am so proud of you and how far your business has come over the years. Thank you for teaching me and showing me that hard work does pay off.

6. Thank you for being my own personal mechanic.

My car won't start and I need to jump it... Lucky for me, I can call you and you will explain to me step-by-step instructions of how to do it. Thank you for fixing my car for free, and making sure that I will be able to drive back and forth to school safe and sound.

7. Thank you for letting me be wrapped around your fingers.

Thank you for peeling my apples, making me peanut butter sandwiches, pumping my gas, covering my grocery bill from time to time, and for making sure I have everything I need. I never expect these things out of you, but I am grateful to be your "little girl."

8. Thank you for giving me your flannel shirts and wool socks.

I will never be excited to wear a boyfriend's sweatshirt because it will not compare to wearing one of your flannel shirts. Thank you for giving me a piece of you to have while I am away from home.

9. Thank you for dealing with a picky eater.

I am probably the most picky eater you know, and I am sorry that you have to deal with that. Thank you for knowing the small amount of meals and snacks that I like to eat, and always making sure the cabinets are stocked with those items every time I come home. Also, I know you're probably getting sick of eating chocolate chip pancakes, but thank you for always making them because you know they are my favorite.

10. Thank you for letting me nag you about your health.

It is the future nurse in me, and it is the daughter in me. I nag you because I care about you. Thank you for taking your health seriously, going to the doctors, eating healthy, and exercising daily. I want your heart to stay healthy and I want you to be alive and well to walk me down the aisle, and play with your grandchildren someday.

11. Thank you for being goofy.

People probably think you are pretty serious most the time, but little do they know that you are the biggest goofball that I know. Thank you for trying to constantly embarrass me. I know I tell you to stop, but in all honesty, I love it when you goof around. Thank you for dancing and singing along to Katy Perry in the kitchen, drawing funny pictures on the whiteboard, quoting and reenacting funny commercials (like the time you attached a dollar to a string, held it in front of my face, and told me I had to be quicker than that...), and for constantly telling me that "Herbie doesn't like to make toys."

12.Thank you for being my personal nurse when I have been sick or injured.

I am especially thankful for this because you have constantly had to take care of me throughout my life. Thank you for driving to the store to pick up saltines, soup and gingerale when I'm not feeling good. Thank you for washing my hair in the sink when I can't take a shower due to being on crutches. Thank you for carrying me into the hospital, and staying by my side through every scary situation I've been through. I know hospitals are your least favorite place to be, and I'm sorry for making you have to go through all of those experiences. Thank you for taking me to hundreds of doctors appointments over the years, and for nursing me back to health through each illness, broken bone, and surgery.

13. Thank you for letting me go on adventures, even though you were scared to let me go on my own.

It's hard to see your baby girl grow up and go off to other countries and to live away from home at college. Thank you for letting my reins loose and letting me discover who I am. I am thankful for your trust, and I am thankful to have you to turn back to when I need to.

14. Thank you for the bear hugs and forehead kisses.

I will never feel more safe than when I am in one of your embraces. I look forward to your hugs. I am also thankful to have your hugs and kisses at times I am stressed, scared, and sad. You give me comfort at every time that I need it. Thank you for showing your love to me everyday.

Although this doesn't even begin to cover the list of things I am thankful for, I feel like it was a good start. Dad, I love you more than anything in this world, and I always will. Thank you for the past things you have done and the future things you will do. Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

Love always,

Your little girl