Dad, thank you for being my lighthouse.

In times of raging waters, and troubled seas thank you for standing firm. Just like a lighthouse doesn't save ships, you do not come running to my rescue. Instead, you guide me by shining your light. And for that, I thank you.

You never make me feel like a lost sailor. Your light can always be found. When I am close to shore, your lighthouse is as bright as the sun. When I am out to sea, distant from your presence, your light is found in the night sky. Day or night, rain or shine, I know you are there. I have no doubt, ever, that you will let me stay lost. You will always find me, teach me a lesson, and lead me home. Above all, I thank you for your guidance. Without you, I would be lost.

A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor. Dad, thank you for letting me see the world as it is. You never hid the fact that life is not perfect. You showed me, by example, that being ambitious in pursuit of what you love is the key to finding happiness and fulfillment in a not-so-perfect world. Thank you for letting me make mistakes, and showing me that it is okay to fail if you are able to pick yourself up and learn from the mistakes you made. For that, I thank you.

You showed me the ropes. Dad, you are forever, my greatest teacher. You never leave me wondering or questioning. You take the time to teach. Step by step. Day by day. You make learning from you easy. You share some of your wisest words over a cup of morning coffee, or in a conversation over the phone. Every conversation I have with you, I wish I could record. I do not think you understand the amount of wisdom you have, and how bad I want to hear it all. Dad, thank you for constantly teaching me.

Captains are not on board to be your boss, they are there to give you the confidence you need to do your job. Dad, thank you for being my captain. Thank you for constantly having faith in me. At a young age you let me find my independence. You showed me that I was able to do things on my own, and that I could take care of myself. You made me tough. Thank you for not being afraid of be my hardest critic. You have helped me develop into a strong, confident, young women who is proud to be your daughter every single day. I will always be daddy's little girl, but you have brought me up to be a strong independent young woman, ready to take on the world that lies ahead. Captain my captain...thank you for being my dad. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be loved.

My dad is my lighthouse. As I have grown and matured I have realized how important that lighthouse is in my life. No matter how many waves come crashing, the lighthouse remains strong. That is my dad. The strongest person I know. I know he is always there. Rain or shine. High or low tide, he is always by my side.

Dad, I love you.