I've written a couple articles regarding my mom, and how thankful I am for her to be in my life; but I believe it is time to give credit to the man it is due, my dad. My dad is the first man who ever loved me in this world, and he deserves credit that he is seldom given.

My dad is someone I look up to very much. In my case, my dad came to America as an immigrant from Greece when he was 17 years old. Since he came here, he worked in the Painter's Union for 40 years, and he just retired this December. My dad would go out and work from negative freezing temperatures, all the way up to blazing hot in boiler rooms. I believe very few individuals in our generation could have worked that long and that hard in my dad's occupation. And to that, I owe my dad a lot.

Dads rarely get credit for how much we do. Of course our moms do a lot for us, and we are very thankful to them, but this letter goes out to all the dads who work hard and care endlessly for their children, especially my dad.

Thank you, dad, for all you do for me. You worked hard for so long to make sure I was able to live a good life. You provided me with a home you built with your own hands, food on the table, and clothes to walk around every day in.

You were the first man to love me, in fact, you've loved me since the day I was born. You woke up during the night to care for me, and woke up early to get me ready for daycare. I will always be a daddy's girl, that will never change. I would stand on your feet, and you'd dance around the kitchen with me on your toes.

We've had many fights over the years, simply because we're too much alike. We butt heads, but in the end everything gets resolved, because of the love of father and daughter.

I can't count the number of shows you've introduced me to and that we've bonded over. Bar Rescue, Law and Order: SVU, and Suits are just a few of the many shows I've grown to love. Now that I'm away at college, we don't get to watch them together as often, but I still watch them and think of you.

You're my hero, to say the least, and you're one of the biggest role models in my life. I inherited a certain length of knowledge from you, and you've helped me groom and approve upon that knowledge over the years. You tried your best to help me with my homework, and you always encouraged me to get the best grades I could.

I couldn't have asked to grow up with a better man. You've shown me what hard work and real sacrifice is, and I will remember these lessons for the rest of my life. You'll always be my first love, and I will always be daddy's little girl no matter how I old I become.

Thank you for supporting me through all I do and setting me up for the best future I could ever have. I couldn't ever ask for a better dad. You're the best one out there, and I feel lucky enough to be your daughter.

I love you.