She's amazing isn't she? The feeling you get when those ocean blue eyes look deep into yours is indescribable. Be careful though, she's sneaky as a cat and can giggle her way out of anything. I know all these things because I loved her first. I watched her take her first breath at 1 a.m. on a cold January night. I was her first friend. She needed me before she needed anyone else. I hold these things close to my heart.

That's why I ask you to be so good to her. If she was a package I would have "Fragile: Handle With Care" written all over her. I don't know if you're tall or short, pale or tan, her first love or her lifelong best friend, if you have a split home or live with two happily married parents. What I do know though is none of that is important to me. As long as you respect her and treat her how she deserves, you'll be loved by me.

I also ask you ahead of time to forgive me if I'm not so supportive of the relationship at first. I'm only this way because I'm no stranger to manipulation. Scolding words and painful insults were daily conversations at one time for me. Being physically harmed because someone is insecure with themselves was the normal. So when I tell you my heart's deepest desire is the well-being and happiness of my daughter; believe me. Don't ever put her below you or behind you but beside you, protecting her and holding her hand through this crazy life.

That girl is my saving grace. I'd do anything to protect her, unfortunately I cannot protect her heart once she gets old enough to fall in love. That's when I have to put my faith in you. So once she gives you heart, please don't fail her. I know you'll be just as thankful that God sent her to you as I am that he sent her to me.