An Open Letter To My Dad As I Leave For College

Dear Dad,

I know the past couple of years, and especially the last couple of months, have been hard for you (and your wallet, so sorry), and in the days to come I know you'll stop and wonder where the time has gone as you watch me pack my whole life into brown boxes and embark on this great journey... without you.

I know you'll say you're fine and joke about how you can't wait to get a break from me, but I know how much you'll miss me being around all the time.

You've probably wondered a million times, "Will she be okay? Did I do everything I could to make sure she's going to be okay? Was all the nagging and fussing worth it? Will it pay off?"

I'm just here to tell you, yes. As this new chapter begins in our lives I just want to say thank you for shaping me into the person that I am today and giving me all the necessary skills to grow and learn as a person.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of hard work. You are without a doubt the hardest worker I know, and even though sometimes it doesn't seem like it, I'm thankful that you push that onto me even when I'm stubborn at times.

Thank you for teaching to set the bar and my standards high. You always joke about the man I'm going to marry someday, but I just want to thank you for always reminding me that I deserve the absolute best, and stressing to me that I should never settle for less.

Thank you for disagreeing with me. We butt heads and disagree more times than we agree on anything, but I know that you're just doing what's best for me and I want you to know I am listening to you.

Thank you for being my best friend. For being my entertainment on the weekend. For sticking up for me. You understand my jokes and you never dish what you can't take. I am incredibly happy with the growth our relationship has experienced throughout the years.

Dad, thank you for being my person. For forgiving me even when I let you down time and time again, for being brave when I'm weak, and for loving me even when I couldn't find it to love myself.

You have created a smart, outgoing young lady and with lessons in life that you've given I will make me most of the journey.

No matter where time takes us, and no matter how far apart, know I'm going to be okay. I'm going to make you proud, and I will always be your little girl.

Love Always,

Your Little Girl