To my spider killer, project fixer and most importantly my dad,

You were the first man I laid my eyes on and I had felt nothing but pure joy and love.

While I was only a baby and don't remember this, just know that is still how I feel when I look at you now.

Growing up being the only daughter in your life I'd say I got it pretty lucky. I had my right-hand man by my side showing me the ropes of how to survive with an older and younger brother. You've taught me how to use a hammer and a drill, and all little tricks to surviving in the real-world. You and I have had some special memories together that I often think about; like how you taught me how to drive a car, to the little things like, riding a bike for the first time, or when you taught me how to draw a star.

You were always there to toughen me up when I lost hope and teach me that if I believed and tried hard enough at something I could achieve it.

While being the only girl in the family had its perks, like getting that extra little bit of cash, or sliding past moms decisions because you said yes, I knew I had the key to your heart.

The way you stay by my side through tough decisions and situations; and help heal my heart when it's broken is all I could ask for as a daughter. The words you say may be simple but I know that they come from a complex heart.

The love I have for you is so unconditional and unworldly, you have no idea. I could tell you a million times over how much I love you, and how much you mean to me but you could never fathom that amount.

The only downfall of being a daddy's girl is that I can't be with you when I need you most. From just sitting on the couch watching the news, to talking about what you did at work, those are the moments I cherish the most.

While somewhere down the road another man will enter my life and hopefully stay there, know that he will never EVER replace my #1 man, you. Because the love I have for you is the kind of love that can't be repeated.

The kind of love that a hug can heal, the kind of love that a smile can fix, the kind of love that is all mine.

I am writing this to you because I want you to know that while we don't talk as much as we could, not a day goes by where you don't weight heavy on my mind and my heart.

So thank you. Thank you for teaching me and opening my eyes to the amazing things this life has to offer. Thank you for loving me unconditionally even when I get under your skin. But mostly thank you for being you. I wouldn't have wanted to be raised any other way, by any other dad.

I love you daddy-o,

your daughter