Dad,

I can’t tell you how many times you have made me laugh. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hugged you goodbye. I can’t tell you how many times you’ve made me proud to be your daughter. But I can tell you that I love you beyond words.

Today is your birthday and all that means to me is that you were put on this Earth so many years ago, and you were put here for me, mom, and Ryan.

It amazes me how selfless you are and how strong you are at the same time. You’ve taught me to always help others when they need it and to always lend a helping hand, no matter the situation. That has been one of the greatest things I have ever learned from you. Of course, you also taught me the lyrics to your favorite David Bowie songs while singing them in the car or that I should always use my parking brake to keep my tires aligned.

You’ve taught me a lot of “dad” things. Like keeping my blinds closed in the summertime to keep the heat out of my room, how to open a bottle of wine, how to change the TV from Standard Definition to High Definition, and how to properly cook an omelette(even though I am now the master).

But you’ve taught me more than simple life hacks like these, you’ve taught me the meaning of sacrifice. When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2000, you were commuting to work at least an hour away. So you left your job and started working somewhere much closer to home, just so that you weren’t so far away from me. You have taught me the meaning of sacrifice, but you have taught me the meaning of love. I think about this all the time and I can’t explain how much it means to me. I can’t imagine making such a huge sacrifice for someone, but you have shown me that.

I know that whenever I need you, you’ll be there for me. That is one of the best things that you have given me and it’s one of the best things I could have asked for. So on your birthday, I want you to know how grateful I am to have you in my life.

Thank you for making me laugh.

Thank you for letting me make fun of you constantly.

Thank you for letting me put plastic forks on your head(see above).

Thank you for caring.

Thank you for helping me through college.

Thank you for supporting me, although sometimes it may be hard to.

Thank you for being a friend when I need one.

Thank you for being my dad.

Happy birthday Jerbear, I love you to the moon and back.