From the moment I was born, I was daddy's little girl. It didn't take much to have him wrapped around my finger. To this day, 21 years later, not much has changed. In my case, the movie "Grease" was right when Frenchy says, "The only man a girl can trust is her daddy." I've gone through plenty of heartbreaks, and I always thought it was the end of the world. I would give up on the metaphorical Prince Charming and think that if it didn't work out by now, I was destined to find nobody. Yes, I know it's dramatic, but as a teenage girl, those are your first thoughts. However, when I take the time to settle from all the tears, I realize I already have the best guy in the world: my daddy.

I get so honored, truly, when people tell me that I remind them of you or they can definitely tell that you are my father and I am your daughter. Maybe that's because we both are very loud and social, but I would take that compliment any day. You always have a positive energy and always have those around you laughing and smiling. You are a complete goofball, but you are never afraid of being yourself. I love being compared to you because then I feel as though I am doing something right.

You taught me the love of sports from the moment you could. We used to joke around about how we could tell whether or not you or mom dressed me that day based on pictures. If I was in a dress and looking cute, that was mom's day. If I was in anything black and yellow or Steelers, well, that was your day. My passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers came at a young age and you are the one to thank for that. Our passion for our team has allowed us to create an even stronger bond through the years. College has gotten in the way a bit, but words cannot express how much I love our Sunday's together as we sit down in all our gear, eat food and yell at the TV together when it is definitely necessary. Even when I am not home and at school, we are constantly texting each other our reactions as the game goes on. I am grateful that I get to share such a passion with my father. Besides just teaching me the game of football, you're also responsible for teaching me how to throw one. It wasn't long after I picked a ball up that I was throwing spirals. I was throwing better than half the boys and you helped me make the meaning of "you throw like a girl" change.

Along with teaching me that spiral, you put a softball in my hand and taught me how to throw and catch. Something so basic that turned into a 16-year career. You took me slowly from learning how to throw and catch, to spending your time at the batting cages with me trying to help me perfect my swing, to putting me in the backyard with all my catcher's gear on and with my arms behind my back as you would throw the ball at me forcing me to block with my body. I don't think I have ever thanked you for having all the patience in the world when it came to teaching me the sport I fell in love with or always volunteering to coach my teams. I know I wasn't easy because I didn't want to listen to my dad as the coach, but you never left my side. You were the first to celebrate an amazing hit or play and the first to encourage me when I struck out. I am truly lucky that I get to look back and say, "My dad was my coach and my loudest cheerleader."

Besides all the sports that run our lives or how you're the reason why I call myself a classic rock fan, you are the one I know I can come to when I need life advice. You can always tell that something is wrong because you call me out on it all the time. I always look away and tell you nothing is wrong, which causes you to tell me that I am a horrible liar. Even when you can tell I am lying and something is on my mind, you never pressure me to open up and always remind me that you are there for me regardless of the time if I choose to need someone to open up to. Sometimes it's hard because as your little girl, I don't want to share my life stories about a boy because I know it has to be hard for you. However, when I do get the courage to admit that I need my daddy, you never shy away from conversation and you offer the best advice you can give. No, it's not always want I want to hear, but that's because normally I don't like hearing, "You deserve better, you should move on." You're right, though, because I know I deserve better than what I have settled for in the past. You have set such a high standard for me because of how much you love me and how well you treat me. Although princesses have never been my thing, I have never felt short of a princess in your eyes. I have always felt good enough, beautiful and full out loved. No boy will ever be able to make me feel the way my daddy does.

You always encourage me to follow my dreams and to strive for nothing less. You're constantly going around to those you know and telling them how proud you are of me for all that I do within my academics and my job at the summer playground. You're also always calling yourself lucky to have me as your daughter. Hearing those words always give me chills because I know I am always striving to make you proud.

I have found a true inspiration in you. Times haven't always been the best for us, but that has never stopped you from loving me and showing your support. You have always put your kids first and it shows to all who are around. Your love for your kids is remarkable. I never feel second to anything in your life and you are always one text away when I have a bad day. Recalling back to a specific day, I was texting you all upset due to current events. To this day, I still have the screenshot of what you said to me. It reads, "Have faith and trust in me...I will go to the end of the world to try and make this work and take your pain away...I love you too honey. More than life itself." Daddy, I will always have faith and trust in you.

At the time of me writing this, I am 21 years old. I have a lot more to learn, a lot more heartbreaks to experience and a lot more stubborn battles I will get into with you. Never for a second though will I stop being daddy's little girl no matter how old I get or the distance I am away from you. I am always going to need you around. I am always going to need you in my corner when the times get rough. I am always going to rely on you to prove to me why boys suck. I am always going to need you as my partner on Sunday's. I am always going to need you to talk to every day when I am bored, when I need to vent or to just to check in. Most importantly, I am always going to love you and be grateful for having such an amazing father like you.

I love you, dad.