Dad,

Right now you're downstairs, preparing for your journey to North Dakota for a year, completely unaware I'm writing this to you.

I want to take some time to tell you things I haven't said before or haven't said recently. First, I love you. I always have and I always will. You'll forever be my hero, no matter how distant I am from you. Second, I'm sorry we aren't as close as we used to be. I used to be a daddy's girl, but we both know that's changed.

We don't talk every day like mom and I, but I still know you're always there if I need you. It's been a hectic year for both of us. With me graduating and moving to college and with you getting ready to move away for a bit, we've grown distracted and busy, not leaving much time for each other.

When I'm home I spend most of my time with friends or with mom and I know you wish it were with you. I'm sorry I'm not there all the time and I'm sorry I schedule my time with others before I schedule time with you.

You have given so much to me, genetically and personality wise. You made me an avid lover of 80's music, you introduced me to my favorite types of video games to play, and you've taught me countless life lessons I will carry with me forever.

Just because we aren't as close as we used to be doesn't mean anything. Just like old friends, sometimes they grow distant before they grow closer than ever before. Our lives just aren't aligning to where we have a lot to talk about, but I know the love is always there.

I know you don't like some of the things I do. You don't like that I want to get a tattoo, or that I'm planning on getting even more ear piercings. You don't appreciate that I'm not very involved in politics, and sometimes you don't like the music I play. But that's all okay, nobody is going to love everything I do, but I know you will always love me.

I'm going to miss you while you're gone. It's going to be weird coming home for Christmas knowing you're in North Dakota with my brother, supporting the family back home. Things won't be the same, but I know we'll be okay. I'll still call you to check in or when I need another piece of advice about something going on in my life.

Thank you for teaching me life lessons I couldn't have learned from anyone else. Thank you for the endless Netflix suggestions that I have yet to watch. Thank you for providing for me. Thank you for being you. I love you.

I can't wait to go to Canada for five minutes when I come to visit you.

Much love,

Your Princess.