Dear Dad, Daddy, Padre, Old Man,

Yeah! I'm writing an article about you!

We've been through a lot together. A lot of it was never expected, but everything has turned out pretty great if you ask me!

Remember when I was little and you had your blue Oldsmobile that had a completely blue interior? It was a pretty ugly car. You know, the car mom backed into while in the driveway! Well, I remember it because when you left for work I'd sprint up to the guest room and wave goodbye as you backed out of the driveway. I would yell through the closed window "I LOVE YOU!" When you saw me up there, you'd wave back.

As I got older, I was not nice to you at all. I would try to run from you when you wanted to spend time with me. I remember you held me on your bed one day and wouldn't let me go as I was kicking and screaming for you to let me go. I have no idea what I wanted so badly.

I remember Easter Sunday when I was only six or seven years old. You made me sit with you in your room for only half an hour or so, which seemed like a life time. You read me the Easter story in my children's Bible, which I must say had some really great pictures which I paid most of my attention to. Then, I was allowed to run downstairs where the Easter Bunny/mom had left a trail of plastic Easter eggs filled with goodies!

We went to Holly Ball at Cotillion together. We went on the numerous school field trips together. We traveled together numerous times listening to Earth, Wind, and Fire almost the entire way. You did the carpool drop offs and pick ups. You did a lot for and with me, and still do!

Then, when mom died, I realized it was just you and me. Two people who hadn't spent a whole lot of time together alone. Yes, here and there we ran errands together or you took me over to the driving range to teach me how to swing a golf club, but those were brief moments. That was our life from that moment on, until of course you found Diane and Emily.

I would stand outside the house for hours in the afternoons after school because I didn't want to go inside alone. I'd only go inside to go to the bathroom and to get a snack and something to drink. Finally, when you got home at 6:00 or 7:00, I'd go inside too. I've always felt the safest I can be when I'm around you.

Just the simple things like how to put my hair in a ponytail or how to put on mascara were a challenge. You were/are a wonderful father, and would try to help me but it didn't turn out too well. You worked so hard that meals were pretty complicated. We went to Champ's for half-price burger night on Mondays, The Tavern with all of our friends on Tuesdays, chicken night on Wednesdays, and then Thursday night would be something at home. On Fridays we usually also went out. Somehow we both didn't weigh 400 lbs each. That was our routine and we never really thought twice about it.

But, when I went down to San Antonio to spend time with grandma alone, I counted down the days until I got to see you. When you finally got there, everything felt complete!

Now, as you have been married to Diane for four years now, I still hate when you go on business trips or go away to play golf. I hate being away from you more than you know! You and I are partners. We stick together!

As I've been away from home and at school, I love calling you every night and hearing your voice. Even if I've had the worst day ever or the best day ever, I can tell you all about it. You work so hard to give our family the very best. I am very blessed to have the father I have! I don't know what I'd do without you, honestly! Forever your little girl, I'll be!

I love you!