Dear Dad,

So many children say that they have the best dad in the whole world. I am so happy for them, but I too have the best dad in the whole world and he's you! You are a friend, a teacher, a musician, a motorcycle lover, and a loving father. As I grow up I look back at all of the memories we have together and wish that I could relive each one. So with that I will show remind you of all the amazing memories I have had with you.You were the first man to hold me, love me, and comfort me when I cried. They say a daughters first love is their Dad--man are they right! You loved me since before you even got to meet me. You let me listen to the Grateful Dead and all kinds of great Rock 'N' Roll before I was born. You talked to me before I was born, I bet even then I knew how lucky I was going to be to have you as my dad.

The way you look at me is the way every girl wants to be looked at. I am so loved, cared about, respected, and appreciated. Since I was a little baby I knew that you loved me so much. Remember this, I might not be a baby forever but I certainly will always be your baby.

Nothing says love like having a tattoo dedicated to you. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and still do. I don't know anyone else who has an amazing tattoo with their daughters name on it. Even if I may have thought (and sometimes still think) you were born with all your tattoos I got to witness you getting this one. I remember back to doing my homework at a light table while you finished up your tattoo sessions. I really had a cool childhood. Nothing is cuter than your reaction the first time we FaceTimed. Maybe there is something amusing about old people and technology or maybe it was that you were so excited to see me! Now we FaceTime nearly everyday so you'll never miss a single moment of whats going on.

I am always on top of the world when I am with you. We are always having fun or causing mischief, or maybe just having fun by causing mischief! Thinking back to all the times mom went to work and trusted you to take care of me...or maybe trusted us to take care of each other. It seems as if every time she was gone something happened, whether it was breaking her glass table, shooting BB gun holes in her wall (only to try and hide it behind an artificial tree), or falling off the motorcycle. At such a young age I never would have thought I would have seen so much adventure.

At this age you were my eyes and ears, but as I grow older you grow older too and I get to become your eyes and ears. I get to watch out for you and protect you just as you did for me when I was little. I can make sure you don't get hurt and stay safe too.

You are more than just my "yes man." I am fortunate enough to have a loving dad who is always there for me, to give me advice, listen to me, talk with me, adventure with me, support me, everything I would look for in a dad you are it. Growing up I faced a lot of different choices and paths to chose from but you helped me along every step of the way. Even though there will come a day when I leave home I will always come back to visit so we can continue to make more memories together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

I love you so much.

Love,

Emily