Dear Dad,

As your daughter, I write this to give credit where credit is due. It seems you have been left out of the limelight because all you wanted was to see me shine on my own. You have never asked for credit in all my accomplishments and have, in many cases, been the heartbeat behind them. You have been so selfless in leading me to where I am today, and you never allowed the struggles of getting me there get in your way. Out of every rock that has helped lead me to my goal, yours was at the beginning. You were the foundation I took my first steps on. You have been the constant remaining place of refuge for my heart and have received the least amount of recognition for getting me to the peak of this mountain. Thank you for being an incredible leader and mentor in my life and showing me authentic love, even when I was the least deserving of it.

Being my father must be a real challenge. I know there must have been times when you felt you were at a dead end road with me and had no idea know what to do. I know you must have been overwhelmed trying to raise a daughter and you probably weren’t sure what step you should take next, but I want you to know that I couldn’t have asked for a better dad. You took all the right steps. You taught me how to truly love this life I have been blessed with, along with how to love myself. Being a father, there are many lessons you teach your daughters. One of the most vital being how she is supposed to be treated by a man. Through our many disagreements I have learned to stand up for what I believe in. I have learned to set my standards high and to never settle. You are the reason for that.

Dad, you were the first man to ever love me, and the first man I ever loved. From my very first day on this earth, I have found a sense of safety in your arms and in your presence your unwavering love for me has always radiated. You have supported me on every endeavor that my young heart was determined to explore, and have helped me through to the end. You only step in when I call for help just to be pushed away when I decide I want to do it on my own once more. It’s the cycle that’s never ending, and you have always been okay with that, knowing I would call for you again when the burden’s I tried so hard to carry on my own became too heavy.

I am thankful that you are not perfect. I am thankful that you have made your mistakes and have allowed me to make mine. I am thankful for the rough patches we have been through in our relationship, because that has allowed us to be stitched closer now than we have ever been before. Most of all, I am thankful that you are my dad. There will come a day that I am dressed in white and you will probably be making up excuses as to why your eyes are watering. The fear of your little girl growing up will become reality as we walk down the aisle together arm in arm; but don’t let it, because of all our walks together this one will be my favorite. Find peace in knowing that what you taught me as a little girl has been engraved in my mind and the man I marry will fit every expectation that you have set. You will always be my first love, and a love like that will never be replaced. You may have loved me since I was born, but I’ve loved you my whole life.

Forever and Always,

Your Little Girl