When my Mom began dating you, I had no idea how much you would change our lives. Being a child of divorce, I wasn't easy to deal with at times. I knew all too well what it was like to let someone in, only to be stung with rejection. I kept you at arm's length because at the time I thought I was protecting my broken heart.

But you, being a patient and loving person, loved me anyway.

For years, I prayed for someone like you to find my Mom and take care of her. What I didn't expect, was that you would take care of me too. When you married my Mom, I couldn't have been happier. It was a new concept to me, having a Father who actually wanted to be in my life.

Because of you, my heart is not hardened by the anger that I felt from abandonment.

Instead, you filled the role of a Father, something you chose to do. I never knew what I was missing in my life until you came along. I am thankful for the way you make me laugh with Dad jokes, give me advice when my heart hurts, and let me know when I am in the wrong.

Through you, I have gained so much more than a Father, but a best friend, confidant, and source of support as well. You have pushed me to succeed in everything I do, even when I felt like a failure. You have always been on the sidelines cheering me on, no matter what.

I believe that God sent you to be the one to nurture my broken heart, and he knew exactly what he was doing.

I am thankful for you stepping into my life, and changing it for the better. I can only hope someday to be even half of the parent you are.