Dear Daddy,

I love you.

I know that things have been tough between us recently, but it's all because I'm growing up. I hope you know that I will always be your little girl. It doesn't matter what changes happen in my life, or what people have come into my life -- that is one thing that will never change. That is my anchor for my life. It always has been.

You have not only been my dad, but you have always been my best friend, my number one fan and my rock. It has been through your guidance and wisdom that I am the person I am today. You were a parent when you needed to be, but a best friend always. You have had my back since the first time you held me whether I knew it or not. You have put up with me doing a lot of stupid stuff through the years, and haven't been shy about telling me about stupid things that you did too.

There has always been no boundaries between us in conversations. We could always talk about anything and everything. You have filled my life with so much unconditional love, endless laughter, incredible food, enough dirty jokes to last a lifetime and life lessons that will stick with me forever -- and for that, I am forever indebted to you.

But, things seem to be changing rapidly between us now. All of a sudden, there is a new man in my life, and this is new territory for us. I never dated in high school or college, so this is something that we have never had to deal with before. And honestly, I don't think either of us is handling this in the best way. We seem to be growing apart suddenly, and that is not okay with me and I know it isn't okay with you. I miss my best friend.

I know that you don't know this new guy very well, and I wish you did. But, here we are, it seems like the laughter is gone between us, and I don't know that I can handle it for very much longer. I want things to go back to normal between us. I know it is hard for you to share me with someone else, but I need you to trust that the lessons I have learned from you will stick with me.

It may not seem like they have, but believe me they have. You have taught me the difference between right and wrong, and how honesty is the best policy. So, please believe that I have the guidance that I need to make good decisions when you aren't around. And, it's all because of you.

It is has been hard on me to see you so upset that someone else has my attention. I know it seems like it hasn't phased me, but it has, more than you will ever know. I don't want to hurt you, but I am trying to figure things out on my own. I will make mistakes, but I need you to stay by my side and continue to be my best friend like you always have.

So, daddy, I love you. Please, know that I am not trying to hurt you, and that I will always be your little girl, no matter what happens.

Love, your baby girl.