Dear Daddy,

You stepped into my life before I was old enough to realize you'd picked me instead of being stuck with me. Now that I'm older and can understand what that means, it's the decision that has impacted my life the most. Thank you for choosing me.

When people hear that you're adopted, the general response is a less than excited 'oh' with a 'poor you' face. Their pity doesn't bother me and neither do their sorry looks. I can proudly say 'I'm adopted' because I had the best dad in the world and he didn't have to be. I'm sure if we ask, you'll say I've always been your daughter, even before the signature. You fell in love with me the minute you laid eyes on my chubby cheeks. I've always believed that to be exactly true because you've never treated me any different than any of your 'biological' children. In fact, you may have treated me better some days, but that may just be daddy's little girl talking.

Through family drama and horrible teenage ups and downs, you were there no matter what. You were my first defender, my biggest fan and, ultimately, my hero. I can most certainly say you are the reason I am who I am today and I'm pretty sure I mostly turned out well. I wonder sometimes what might have happened had I not been adopted and I don't think my life would be any better. I can definitely assure you i'd be a much different person.

Unlike other parents who acquire a responsibility the minute they cut the cord, you didn't have any. For some reason, you wanted the responsibility that comes with a three year old. Having a three year old myself, I understand what a big responsibility that is. I officially think you're crazy for it, but I love you for it.

So thank you daddy. Thank you for entering my life, loving me like your very own, and making me a better person. I can never truly tell you how much this decision has meant to me in my adult life, but it is a lot. Thank you for choosing me over and over again even when it would have been easier to run for the hills. It meant everything to me.

Love always,

your little girl