Dear Dad,

You are the number one man in my life. You've tried to give me, and have given me, so much even when we've had so little. You've graced my life with wonderful opportunities such as college, sports, cars, Hawaii, Georgia, South Carolina, you name it. Thank you for allowing me to follow my life in the path that I have wanted, no matter the flip, flop fashion I did it in. I am often told that I am my father's daughter. I take it as a compliment because you are such an amazing man. If I could be half the (wo)man that you have been, I'd be a lucky duck. To be as strong, as willed, as skilled, as kind, and as warm hearted as you, is a goal. You are my role model in every way. You've taught me more than I think you know. I wish I could be half the mother to my children as you are a father to me. Thank you showing me that being forty years old doesn't stop you from being a teenager. From playing around in Walmart, bouncing a ball into the other aisle and running away, to staying up late listening to music on the kitchen floor with me. Thank you for giving me life lessons and letting me know that no matter what don't let life kick you down because, "life sucks, get a helmet." Thank you for setting the example for what men in my life should look like. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for introducing me to the arts. Thank you for dancing outside Grammi's house with me. Thank you for being my political and non-political debater. Thank you for showing up to freezing cold soccer games. Thank you for showing up to really long Chorale performances. Thank you for returning home each time from Iraq. Thank you for everything. Most of all thank you for not only being my one and only father, but my best friend as well. I can't imagine what things would look like without you.

You're the best daddy-o I could ask for.

- Your baby-o