Dear Papa,

Ever since the day I was born, you have been my biggest role model. Growing up I have watched you work your behind off, make sure Mammie has always had everything she needed and still have all the time in the world to spoil your grandchildren. Most of my memories from young childhood until now include you or being at your house.

Because of you, I have always felt special. Some of the others may have felt jealousy or resentment, but some kids just need to feel special; maybe that's what I needed to succeed. I think back to it now and realize visiting your house every weekend was always the highlight of my week. Waiting for you to come pick my brother and I up was always my favorite part of the day, Friday after school. Always being at your house on the weekends and weekdays during the summer gave us the opportunity to be around our extended family much more often than most.

They always say it takes a village to raise a kid and I feel like I was definitely raised by a village. I had my parents at home and then had you and Mammie, as well as all of my aunts, uncles and cousins who streamed in and out of your house at all times. We all had some hard times but there were so many more good memories than bad. You gave me the opportunity to grow up extremely close to my uncles and cousins. Without you, I probably would barely know any of them rather than having them be as close as brothers and sisters.

A big part of me feels as though you are one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today. I have grown up, received my license thanks to your driving lessons, graduated high school with you in the stands, and now am a junior in college, and you've been cheering me on all this time. There was never a moment in my life where I have not felt your love and support. There are so many things in my life that I would probably never have if it weren't for you. My precious car which gives me the ability to get to and from school and my laptop which without I would not have been able to attend school. Those are just little pieces of all that you do for me.

I am sure there are times taking care of us where you have felt under-appreciated but I want you to know that you are one of the most incredible men in my life and I honestly do not know where I would be today if it weren't for you. I hope every time you read this letter, you understand just a fraction of how much I love and appreciate you.