To my father, who I am undeniably related to.

Poppa, dad, daddy-o, father, daddy or whatever you prefer. He is my superhero. He is my role model. I find so much of him in me it's kind of scary sometimes. This is a letter to my dad, because I probably can't find enough words to thank you for what you have done for me. You have loved me unconditionally, always supported me in whichever endeavor I have decided to take on, and you always have any answer to the 1 million questions a day that I know must drive you crazy at times. But you still love me anyway.

As I have been brought up in a faith-based home, I have learned and experienced many things that have molded my heart and mind to believe in my one savior, my father. But here on earth, there is and will always be one man in whom I call my father and I am so, so beyond blessed that God has given me you. Everyone has always teased me about being a daddy's girl, and I could never deny it. You have blessed me in so many ways, and always given me your love first. You have built our home and our family on love and trust. We have hit rough spots on the road and still you were strong and carried us through it, much like our Lord never leaves our side. You may ask why I compare your role as my father to our God, and it is because I believe that one of the most wonderful things about you is that you are selfless and a God-seeking man. I admire that about you and feel lucky to have a father who is always praying over my family and myself.

Sadly, many of my friends do not have that kind of relationship with their fathers, and I wish I could share you with them. I know I wouldn't be half the young woman I am today without your love and guidance. I will continue to look to you for guidance and always take your advice. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know, and I have received that from you. You are first to figure out why I'm not smiling and always have been since I was a little girl. You let me dance on your feet, and build paper airplanes, you always talk to me about cars and the latest about them (not many daughters are as cool as I am, I know.) You let me fly a thousand miles away to explore the world and drive your car when there's a road trip with friends. You never say no to watching a movie and you have always bragged about my writing. You are my number one fan and I love that about you. I don't know where to even begin to look for a young man that will begin to meet your list of qualifications, but I do know he doesn't get my approval unless he is just like you. I am your first born, one and only daughter. I can be very dramatic and some days more than others I take a little longer to get ready. But still, you love me anyways. As my life goes on, I will move away from home, and maybe, just maybe, one day get married (we'll see), but the one thing that will never change is that I will always be your little girl.

I love you all the way too the moon and back.

XOXO Abbey