Dad,

I know most of the time I may forget to tell you how much you mean to me and how much I love you, but as I grow up into the young woman you've shaped me to be, know that I'll always be your little girl.

You are the template for every guy I have met and will meet in my life. You are my supporter, my protector, and provider of unconditional love. It's hard to find a guy as great as you. That is why I'm lucky to have a dad like you because unlike any other, excuse my language, jerk who may have hurt me in the past, you will never break my heart.

There are some phrases that will forever be stuck in my head because of you and no matter how simple they may be, they have come to guide me throughout life.

"Dust off the dirt and get back up."

This phrase first made an appearance during my little league days when I used to cry about turf burn or getting knocked over by one of the older girls on my lacrosse team, but it still plays over and over in my head nowadays. No matter how hard I fall, or what the damage is, I pick myself up and start over again. That's because of you Dad. You raised me to persevere through every storm I may face in life and I will do just that.

"God always has a plan."

It may have taken me a few years to truly grasp the meaning of this one, but thank you for always being there to remind me that this life is not my own and there is a bigger plan than my own. Any time I doubted myself or what road I wanted to take in life, you were there to give me the piece of mind that no matter where I go there is always someone watching over me. You taught me that everything I have in this life is because of Him, I should live my life for Him, and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

"Work hard, make good choices."

I would always laugh at you when you would yell this at me as I would walk out the door for school, but it was't until I got to college that I realized the importance of this famous phrase of yours. Life is what you make it. You taught me that if I focus on my goals and work to achieve them, I can be successful. You also taught me that making good choices does not mean sacrificing relationships or hobbies, but learning how to balance all the positive aspects of your life.

"I love you baby doll"

This of course is your most famous phrase and the one I will always be replaying in my mind. There is no love like a father and daughter. Whenever I am stressed or feel like my world is crumbling down around me I know I can shoot you a text and just those 5 simple words will send me a wave of relief, knowing I have the support system and love to get through it all. No matter how old I get, I will always be the little girl who used to borrow your clown shoes and dance around in tutus. I will always be your baby doll.

Love,

Your Not So Little, Little Girl