I was blessed when I came into this world to have two loving parents that have never failed, even for a second, to be by my side. You and Mama Bear have both been my tireless warriors, biggest fans, and greatest teachers.

This one is for you, though, Dad.

Growing up, I hated that Daddy was always working. I missed you so much. I looked forward to the special moments we shared together while fishing in our neighborhood pond, lying on the hammock while looking up at the stars, long hikes, or the countless bedtime snuggles and stories.

I didn't know it then, but these are the small moments I would grow to cherish.

As I transitioned from a little girl to a young woman, we continued to do Indian Princesses and attend father-daughter dances. Dancing wrapped in your arms made me feel so safe and special. I have never had to question if I am loved or not.

And, after all, what is a father's job if not to make sure his little girl knows she's loved?

You're not perfect. Finding that out was hard, but it was important, because none of us are. You taught me always to look for the best in people, and to open my heart to forgiveness.

You're usually good at that, except when someone hurts your little girl. Remember my first heartbreak? I do. You were there to help put the pieces back together, and there to scare him off with your hunting rifle when he tried to worm his way back in. I think he's still running. Good riddance.

You taught me my worth, and because of that, I have never allowed myself to be treated as if I deserved anything less.

When I almost settled on a path I wasn't thrilled with for my future, you told me to dream big and follow my heart. You didn't pressure me to pick a realistic goal, like some of my friends' parents did to them, but instead, you told me to slow down, take my time, and follow my passions.

"I don't know what classes to take, though, Dad," I cried to you. "I don't know what I'm supposed to be."

"Take basket weaving. Be happy. Enjoy your education and follow your dreams," you told me.

I didn't take basket weaving, but because of your advice, my college career has included things from army crawling through a bat cave, watching an open-heart surgery, and collecting shark teeth to sketching butterflies, writing short stories and making experimental films.

You know everything. Talking to you is like opening an encyclopedia... or at least I assume that's what it's like since I've never actually had to open one of those fossils.

You know dates and facts about the most obscure things in history and in nature, and I am grateful that my own education has given me a wide range of knowledge too.

Along with the fun, you also taught me the importance of hard work. You wake up every morning, put on a suit, and save lives. I didn't realize that's what you did as a lawyer until I got older, but it's true.

You have the biggest heart, and you help everyone who is lucky enough to know you.

People have asked me what I think of your being a criminal defense attorney. I tell them my dad helps good people get a second chance when they make a mistake (and sometimes a third or fourth...but I digress). But you try to help people because, like I said, no one is perfect, and one mistake shouldn't ruin their lives. You also speak up for people who don't have a voice on their own, which I think is pretty damn cool.

You always found time for me, though, no matter how hard you worked. Indian Princesses seemed like a silly thing we did, but looking back, it was everything. On those camping trips, you taught me to be tough and strong and to play in nature, something that has always grounded me when I'm feeling lost.

I explored with a freedom I didn't have other times. Sometimes that wasn't a great thing (remember the mud pit, the pokey caterpillar, and the poison ivy?) but you always helped heal my skinned knees and detangle my knotted hair.

You made me strong in body and in mind: "Mind over matter," as you always say.

We have talks about current events, ethics, and different controversial issues, and you always let me make up my own mind about things, which is probably part of the reason I have such strong opinions to this day.

The point of all this, though, is to say thank you, Dad.

Thank you for teaching me to be a strong woman who values and believes in herself, and is so excited about her future. I couldn't have done it without you.

Love,

Your little girl