To the man who protects me,

You have shown me what it's like to have a supporting and caring figure in my life. I always find myself wanting to spend time with you because you make me feel loved and important and you always laugh at my jokes. Although I've done a lot of growing up lately, which sometimes means I don't constantly want to be with you, my heart is already sad for the day when I pack up my things and head off to start my own life.

I never knew how powerful your love was until you held me in your arms and made it clear you would fight the world to end my pain. That moment was potent and I never wanted to let go because I knew you would protect me. That has continuously been your goal: protecting me. You seize every opportunity to make me laugh, without fail I might add, and you genuinely want to spend time with me. We made a habit of going to church together recently, and I have yet to say how close I hold those conversations afterwards about His word to my heart. I find it so admirable you take time out of your day to simply just be with me.

Recently I've noticed that I always ask you every question that pops into my head. The most random of ideas will run over my brain a few times then I'll inevitably get your take on it. I just have this feeling that you know everything in this world; about love, heartbreak, disease, politics, you name it. I believe you hold the key to every single door the world can open. Even when I know you don't know the answer I ask, because you always give some sort of explanation as to why this event occurred or how the stars conspired for that to happen. And I unfailingly believe every word you say, because I trust you.

In times of need, my eyes look for you. You have been my rock and helping hand, and you are without fail trying to make me the happiest I can be, even on your worst day. One of my favorite things about you is I can hardly tell when you're having a bad day. You insist on making me breakfast and packing my lunch, and I'll admit I miss our car rides where we would sing and dance together to your kind of music. I miss when you would give me a piggy back rides and when we would go to Sonic and watch my favorite movies. You were always doing things for me and never go anything in return. That's how gentle you are.

Thank you for showing me what unconditional, respectful, encouraging love looks like. I know that I'll always be looking for you in times of despair, even when I know you won't be there. You will always be my best friend, Dad.

Love forever,

Your little girl