Hey Dad,

This might be one of the hardest letters I've had to write. It's not because you're no longer here, because you are alive and well. It's because I feel like no matter what words I would say it wouldn't be enough to describe how grateful I am to be your daughter. In reality, I'm your second child, but technically, sorry mom, I am your only full blood child. I am your little girl and I will always be no matter what. There's so much I want to say, but I'll start by saying thank you.

Thank you for teaching me to be strong.

With me being the only girl on your side, you knew that I would have no choice but to be strong. You saw me freak out after one soccer practice when I was five and you didn't force me to keep playing. You let me make my own decisions. You never once told me that you were disappointed in me and that hasn't changed. One of the reasons I'm still strong to this day is because of the strength you've exhibited my whole life. You beat the odds when you started your own business after grandpa. You knew that starting a business was tough, but you knew what you had to do for your family. Even before that, you joined the union to make a living for us. You are one of the most hardworking men that I will ever meet.

Thank you for always encouraging me.

You have been by my side since I started public school my junior year of high school. You supported my decision to apply to Youngstown State University and my choice of study even though it was out of the ordinary and doesn't make as much as the others. You never discouraged me when I had to choose between friends, dance, piano, work and school. The stress kept growing and I wanted to give up, you always told that I would be happier when I finished. I remember walking into Beeghley hall, and you had the biggest smile on your face. After I got my degree you walked over to me and said the four words any daughter would love to hear, "I'm proud of you". Of course the words 'kid' or 'Lex' would usually follow suit. Even though I don't have my dream job right now, you still look at me and tell me your proud of how far I've come as I reach my twenty-fourth birthday in 3 months. This is a spoiler for those who thought I was eighteen. Sorry to disappoint. That just means you'll be a year older too Dad.

You witnessed my first major heartbreak.

May 31, 2013 you witnessed me find out that I wasn't the only woman in my boyfriends life. He and I spent a year together and you saw it all fall apart on our living room couch. You didn't say anything, but when I walked into the kitchen you just gave me a big hug. That alone gave me the courage to give him all of his things, and kick him out of the house. All you wanted was for me to be happy. I can't wait for the day where you will walk me down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams.

You may not be perfect, but you are the perfect father for me.