Boys come and go, but a father will always stand by his daughter's side. Growing up I've started to realize that there are so many things that I forgot to thank you for, and lessons I learned when you thought I wasn't looking.

So daddy, here are all the things I've realized I have never thanked you for over the years:

1. Thank you for being my first dance partner.

Whether it was slow dancing at weddings or swing dancing in our tiny kitchen (which ultimately just turned into you throwing me around), you were always the first person I wanted to dance with. I'm so lucky that you were always there to dance with me because it always led to the best memories.

2. Thank you for teaching me how to fix a car.

All those times when I was younger working in the garage with you have taught me a few things. I can always impress any guy I date, because I probably know more about a car and how to fix it than they do. And of course, if I can't figure it out you are always only a call away.

3. Thank you for teaching me my love for the derby.

So this is quite the opposite of the last one. You have always been a demolition derby driver. I remember walking into school and bragging to my friends about how "My daddy was in a derby heat last night and won first place." You taught me the love for a sport, that is very foreign to some people, at a very young age. I love going and watching you out there, doing what you love.

4. Thank you for teaching me that sometimes it's okay to get dirty.

Even when I was little, I always wanted to be with you when you were in the garage or out in the garden. So, inevitably I ended up full of grease, stains, and dirt. Now that I'm older, I don't get to do that with you as often, but I still don't mind helping out every once in awhile.

5. Thank you for showing me that it's ok to be a child in a grown person's body.

No matter how old you get, I'm pretty sure you will always be a child at heart. All the kids we know use you as a jungle gym, and you never get angry. In fact, I think you don't mind because it lets you bring out your inner kid. You are always the life of the party, and first person any of the kids there come to when they want to play around. You show me that no matter how old you get it is okay to let out your inner child every once in awhile.

6. Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love feels like.

You were always there to scare away the monsters under the bed and take away the pain when I fell. Now that I'm older I realize that you have always been there for me. We don't talk everyday, but I know that you are always there to listen when I need you. They always say that it is the little things that make the biggest impacts, and from personal experience I can say that they are 100% correct. It is always the little things (and okay maybe sometimes the big things) that make me feel the most loved. So thank you for always showing me love in the most unconditional ways.

7. Thank you for always holding me up, both literally and figuratively.

Yes it's true that we often make a joke of you picking me up for pictures, you are always there to pick me up when I am down. You always know what to say and how to say it. I know that when I come to you, I will always get the truth. Even if it is a bit of tough love. Like everyone else, some days are better than others. There are days that I feel like I just can't get ahold of life, like I just keep falling on my face. You are always there to help me back to my feet and make everything feel okay again.

8. Thank you for giving me your sense of humor

Out of everyone I know, you are the person with the best sense of humor. I was lucky enough to inherit that from you. Okay so not everyone agrees with our sense of humor, but oh well their loss. You have this uncanny ability to make anything a joke, and put a smile on any person's face.

9. Thank you for teaching me my love of animals

Daddy you have to admit it, when it comes to animals you have a bit of a soft spot. When you find an animal abandoned (which surprisingly happens pretty often), you bring them in and help them no matter what. You have always had a very soft spot for them, which pretty much led to my soft spot. I probably wouldn't love animals as much as I do without you.

10. And most of all thank you for letting me spread my wings

I know that when I chose to go to Florida for college, it was a bit of a shock. Despite that you were there to support me no matter what. Even though I'm sure it is hard, you have let me spread my wings and find my own dreams and path. Yes I hit some bumps along the way but you are always the to pick me up, and encourage me to keep going. I have some big dreams ahead of me, but I know that you will be there to help me when my own wings just aren't enough.

Daddy thanks for everything you have done for me, and I guess take this as a thank you in advance for everything you will do for me. I don't know who I would be without you, but one thing I know for sure. Thank you for being a part of my life and helping me become the person I am today. I love you so much more than just the moon and back.