Dear Dad,

Let me start off by saying I know I definitely was not the easiest teenager to raise. I was moody, angry, and extremely independent. Through all of that you never left. You may have gotten angry from time to time, but you never left my side. Thank you for loving and supporting me with (almost) everything I do.

Unconditional love is something special. You flew all the way to Louisiana 18 years ago to pick me up and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have loved me every step of the way even when I make decisions you do not agree with. You were the first man to enter my life, and you are the most important.

Let's face it, I am the biggest girly girl you know, but that doesn't mean I don’t know how to enjoy a good sporting event. You taught me how to love sports, since no one else in our house does. You brought me to my first Bruins game and ever since then I fell in love.

You have taught me a lot these past 18 years. You shoved the concept of saving money down my throat when I was about 12 years old, but eventually it stuck with me and now I would rather save than spend. Fortunately, I still love to spend. You have taught me the importance of working for everything. You have been working 12-14 hour long days since I can remember, and I think that is where my motivation and strong work ethic comes from. You have truly set a great example.

You are such a kind and understanding man and I admire you for that.

Thank you for bringing me to the mall thousands of times to buy things I probably didn’t really need.

Thank you for bringing me to the toy store with my brother almost every Sunday when we were younger, I know how painful that must have been for your wallet.

I know it must be hard to watch me grow up and you have absolutely no control over it. Just know that as I continue to grow up, I hope to make you proud. I promise to always make time for you as my life continues to get busier each year. I will always remember the times we have spent together over the past 18 years, they were very special.

Love you forever.