They say a girl's first true love is her father, right? For some of us, we didn't get to experience that.

Don't get me wrong, I love my father. But these are the words I have wanted to say to him my whole life without knowing how to.

You don't love me by saying "I love you" every once in awhile.

Saying you love me is nothing if you don't show it. You love me by being there for me and showing interest in what I am doing in my life. You show interest in my passions, my dreams, what I really want to do with my life. It is knowing that deep down, you truly love me for who I am, not the little girl you left at 2 years old.

You love me by being my rock, by letting me fall on you when times get hard. You love me by giving me your understanding. You show me you care by putting in the effort. For years, that was all I wanted.

I despise the shield I have built over the years.

It was your job to teach me how I should have been treated like a lady. You were supposed to be the standard I used to find a man to be with.

Instead, I built a wall—a wall that prevents me from letting people in. It led me to believe all men would just leave.

I don’t want the labels that goes with "daddy issues." I don't want to be the person with abandonment issues. The one who keeps everyone at a distance, the one looking to fill a void, the one with the trust issues. Because this is only a part of me, but it's the part that I need to fight every time someone tries to get close to me, and it should not be that way.

I am the girl you need to appreciate.

Years of failed relationships and marriages, and yet somehow, I will still be the one always here for you, even if you don't realize. No matter what has happened in the past, and no matter how many mistakes you make, you are my father, and I will always be there for you. I wish you would realize and appreciate that.

I want to be respected by you. I want you to teach me how to change a tire. Tell me the stories of your first love, or the first time you got caught sneaking in after curfew. Teach me how to be a better person.

Don't lose me again.

Many, many years have passed now, and we are finally building a relationship with each other. I am not sure what happened. I don't know if I grew up, or if it was you, but just know that I am so happy about that. We can't make up for the 18 years that have come and gone, but we can start now. Don't let me go again because your pride, ego or your past get in your way.

Inspire me to be better, and I will inspire you along the way. Help me reach for the stars, and stand back and be proud when I reach the moon. Don't give up and walk out the door again.

I am your daughter. No matter what happens in life, I will always be there. Please do me one favor, though: realize I am worth fighting for.