Growing up, I loved my dad. I loved him so much that I used to ask him if he would marry me. Obviously, my four-year-old self didn't know any better, but even then I knew my dad was an amazing man. Back then I was his "little peanut" or "pumpkin." We would do everything together whether it was play video games, or go to the movies. My dad was my best friend, and he always put a smile on my face. To this day I appreciate everything my dad has ever done for me, and I love him with all of my heart. I'm so blessed to call him my father and this is why.

My dad is the hardest working man I know. The amount of things he has done to make sure our family is okay is unbelievable. He works as much as he can to keep our roof over our heads, and to give my brother and I the best quality of life that we can have. He would do absolutely anything for his family, and I will always look up to him for that. Most of the time he hates his job, but he stays with it because he just wants to get me through this college phase of life. He loves his family more than anything.

He always knows how to cheer me up. All of my life my dad has been the person I can go to to make me feel better. He always checks in on me if he thinks something is wrong, and gets mad at me when I don't tell him what it is. He always wants to make sure I'm okay. He will always talk me through problems I am having and will be straight up with me when I need him to be. My dad can always make me laugh. I really don't know how because he really isn't that funny, but he tries so hard. He is the kind of person that cracks a joke and laughs at himself because he thinks he's hilarious. He's just always trying to put a smile on my face and I could never appreciate it more.

We have so much fun together. Spending quality time with my dad is one of my favorite things to do. We love going to restaurants, playing cards, going to movies or concerts, and my personal favorite thing is going to football games. Whatever we are doing we have a great time. I love making memories with dad that I will remember forever.

He has taught me so much. The amount of things I have learned from my dad is unreal. Whether it was math, or how to check my oil in my car, you made sure I knew what I was doing. You've taught me how to stay positive in the toughest of times. Thank you for teaching me to be the best person I can be. You have inspired me to work hard for what I want. You made sure I had a good head on my shoulders, and I'll forever love you for that.

Even though we obviously can't spend as much time together anymore, just know how much I miss you. You irk my nerves quite a bit, but I know I'm not the easiest daughter to raise. I'm sorry I'm such a pain. Thank you for the endless advice, helping me make decisions, telling me how to take care of myself better, and for the endless love. You mean the world and so much more to me. Thank you for everything you have provided for me. Thank you for helping me through every problem I have ever encountered, and thank you for being my number one cheerleader. Thank you for believing in me. All I ever have wanted to do is make you proud, and I really hope I am. The reason we butt heads so much is because we are so alike, but thank you for sticking through. I really can't say thank you enough, but just know how much I appreciate you and how much you mean to me. I promise that good karma is going to hit you one day.

I know now why I wanted to marry my dad when I was little. I knew I would never find anyone even close to how amazing he is.