Dear dad,

I think it’s lame that you only get Father’s Day and your birthday to celebrate how great you are. Think about: for how much you do for me, you only get the spotlight 2 out of 365 days of the year. Now that’s just pathetic.

Thank you for providing for me and for always having my back. I’ve lost track of how many times you’ve reassured me when all that has flooded my head are doubts. There have been countless times where I’ve rambled nonstop to you. You listen with an attentive ear and give me the occasional nod, and then out of nowhere, you spill this magic advice all over my helpless heart.

I know father-daughter things are our favorite, but it seems to me that even after spending an evening with you, I can’t help but love you just a tiny bit more. Your thousands of weird quirks (let’s face it, you have too many to count), your obnoxious dad jokes, your super businessy man voice, your reckless driving, your soft bear hugs… you’re so weird, I love it.

You’re kind of the best, I hope you know that. For how many times I’ve lost my marbles yelling at you or being ultra sassy with you, you’ve always kept your cool. Do you know how difficult that is? Why hasn’t anyone given you a medal yet? Dealing with a daughter is no walk in the park, that’s for sure. I mean, I’m not even a mom yet and I know how hard girls can be.

The part that makes me super proud that you’re my dad is that after finding out you were going to be a father, you were excited, but even after you found out you were going to be a father to a daughter, you were still just as excited. You were scared and terrified but you were overjoyed and blessed – that in itself shows courage.

I admire how hard you’ve worked. You’re a living miracle, and someone I will forever cherish. You’ll always be dear to my heart, even after I get married and move out of the house.

I think you’re terrific and I will love you forever,

Your daughter