Nothing is quite like the bond of a parent and child; but what's even more special is the bond between a step-parent and child.

Dear Step-Dad,

We for sure have come a long way! Since I was 6 years old you have been a part of my life. You have endured my relationship drama, sports games, teen puberty, sibling rivalry, driving a car, basically all of the things parents look forward to in watching their children grow up. But you are special because although you are not my biological father, you stepped up when he couldn't.

You were the one that showed up to my sporting events to cheer me on. You were the one that helped teach me how to drive. You were the one that I introduced my boyfriends too in search of your approval. You were the one who took pictures with me at my proms. You were the one that ended up loving me when someone else was too busy to care. You ended up becoming my father.

You will be the one at my college graduation. You will be the one to help me move into my first house. You will be the one I call when I'm stranded on the side of the road. You will be the one to meet my future husband. You will be the one to babysit my kids; your grandchildren. You will be the father that I always needed and was fortunate enough to receive when mine left me.

What's so special about you is that you loved me even though I wasn't yours to love. You treated me as if I were your own and gave me everything I could have ever wanted. I've never thanked you nearly enough for everything that you do for me. Thank you for the bonfires you built when my friends would come over. Thank you for joking with my boyfriends to make them feel more comfortable at the house. Thank you for coming with to my tonsil surgery. Thank you for buying me my senior prom dress. Thank you for making me coffee in the mornings. Thank you for taking care of the yard work. Thank you for taking care of oil changes and car maintenance for me. Thank you for the extra money before I head back to college. Thank you for cleaning out the drain full of my hair. But most importantly, thank you for staying. Thank you for loving me and my family.

I've taken your love for granted and only now have I realized how truly special and a gift you are to me. I couldn't have done everything I have without you. And that I am truly thankful for. These 3 words have always been implied but never spoken between us, but I want you to know that I love you. I always have and I always will. Thank you for being you.

Love,

Your Step-Daughter