Dear Dad,

Father's day has me thinking about how blessed I am to have you in my life. No one will ever truly know how happy that you became part of my family. You are the only father I ever had. I was an early high school student when you entered into my life. Sometimes I feel really sad about this because I never had a dad growing up. When I look back at my childhood, all the memories that I have, I wish you were there next to Mom. While I regret that you were not present when I was little, I'm also very glad that you came along when you did.

Because I was older when you and Mom started dating, I am able to fully appreciate everything that you do for me. I know what it's like to not have a father and the void that it creates in a person's life. Because of this knowledge, I truly treasure each moment that we have together. Every time that we do something just the two of us, I am overcome with joy. Whether it's something big, like going to the shooting range, or something so normal as getting coffee together, or even playing chess in the kitchen. Each of these moments are things that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I can remember the exact moment that I wanted you to become my family. You and mom hadn't been dating for very long. You and I went to Applebee's for lunch. It was the first time one of my mom's boyfriends had ever done anything with just me. You asked me my opinion about dating my mom, and I knew at that moment, I wanted you to be my dad. I also know the moment when I first felt like your daughter. We were at the mall and you bought me a pair of jeans. I felt really guilty that you paid for them. You responded to me, "I want to pay for stuff. You're my daughter." In my mind, we have been family ever since.

Because it's Father's Day, I want to thank you for all that you do for me. So thank you. Thank you for the small things, like feeding the cat when I forget. Thank you for the big things, like leaving work to pick me up after a car accident, when I'm so frightened I can hardly function. Thank you for everything in between, like going to my softball games, which I now realize were dreadfully boring, and driving me to a concert because you know it's important to me. Thank you for taking care of Mom. And most importantly, thank you for being my dad.

Happy Father's Day!

Love,

Your daughter