Dad,

Thanks to you, I am the strong person I am today.

No matter what storm seemed to loom, I always knew I could count on you.

From the nights you’d tuck me into bed and play my snow globe, to the cold Saturday mornings playing soccer.

You were always there, no matter what the weather.

You taught me to be a kind and caring person, just like you.

4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, I knew I could count on you to walk through the door.

Saturdays were our days, playing soccer. The train’s in the basement were our thing. Playing 500 Rummy, and you losing, still is our thing.

No matter how much time you spent at work, you always came home and spent equally as much time with me.

I’m one of the luckiest daughters out there. No matter how tired you were, or how much stress you were under, I never missed time with you.

I know that our time together meant as much to you as it did to me. For that time, work and stress weren’t there, just quality time together. The smile on my face was all you needed, and the smile on your face was all I needed.

You showed me how a man is supposed to treat a woman.

In your own way, you give mom love. Sitting in the living room on your computers together, flowers for mother’s day, and giving each other cards in Shoprite, are all ways you show her love.

Giving me undivided attention, playing soccer in below freezing temperatures, tucking me in at night, those were all ways you show me, love.

Now, as I grow up, I look back, thankful for all you did and all you’ve done. Working a full-time job, and still coming home to spend every last second with me.

Even now, with our busy schedules, finding time to watch the Flyers game together is the best time spent.

Thank you, Dad, for being the amazing role-model you are and giving me the world. I will always be a daddy’s girl and will always love you, no matter what the weather.