Thank you for being the greatest dad around. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a dad like you when they grow up. Father’s don't always get enough credit for all they do, especially the ones who are the primary parent, like you. You really set the standards high for the type of guy I want to have in my life. You are inspiring to many, and are the poster boy of second chances.

Thank you for being my biggest fan and always supporting me. You always are there whether it’s something small or a huge event, and I know you're proud every time. You support me not only in the good but the bad. You gave me enough freedom to explore the world on my own and make mistakes. You make sure I see what was wrong, but you help me to grow from it. Because of you I am able to take responsibility for everything I do.

Because of you I have always had someone to look up to and go to for anything I needed. You aren't perfect, but lets be honest-- nobody is. You aren’t just my dad, you’re my best friend and my role model. You are an example of the person I want to be with someday. You showed me how I should be treated. You showed me how to be loving. You taught me about the things necessary to have a good and real relationship. I have always looked up to you. Without you I wouldn’t have had someone to look up to all these years. Or someone to take care of me.

During all those times when I felt as if I were alone, or I thought I was the only one who thought the way I did. When I was at rock bottom, you were always the one to pick me up. You were the one who helped me go through it, but never feel less strong because of what I was going through. You showed me how to be comfortable with what my normal is. You always made sure I was confident and didn’t let people bring me down. When you are feeling alone, the best thing you can have is someone on your side, and you never left mine. I always go to you and you always come to me. I guess that’s what happens when you have a rock.

Being a dad, especially one who did most things alone, one of the toughest things was you always having to be the bad guy. I know it bothered you, but I do thank you for it. You can't always be the best friend. In order to teach a lesson, it can be necessary to give tough love. You always gave that because you needed it too. You needed to not be enabled to do bad things, just as I do. Even though some days I thought the chores were excessive or you taking my phone away was annoying, I see why it was necessary.

You always insisted on us being together and close as a family. Though most times it was hard, you always tried to bring out the best in everything around us. You always made dinner and we would eat together. We always had day family trips. You were always thinking above and beyond about what we could do.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Know I love you just the same. And also know I’m forever your little girl.