Dear Dad,

First off, I'm going to start by saying I love you so much and you are my best friend. Even though we get into arguments and don't talk for a few hours or even days, that doesn't mean anything because that's what happens between a father and his daughter.

Thank you for always being there for me and for always knowing what's best for me and steering me in that direction. I am so grateful to have a father like you; God knew what he was doing when he blessed us with each other. You have given me so much throughout my life and I know I don't tell you thank you enough and I apologize for that. You work your butt off every day to provide for us and I know it's hard being out in the sun sweating. You've been my best friend since the day I was born and I can't imagine my life without you. I want to thank you for my sense of humor because I believe I get it from you.

Regardless of how convoluted it may be, or sarcastic you have made me, I am so grateful that you have always had a way to lighten every situation. When I am upset, you always find a way to make me laugh and I love that about you. You are such an amazing person.

Thank you for teaching me never to take shortcuts and always to be successful in everything I come across. You knew I could do the best and would never let me settle for anything less. You always told me that if I was going to do anything in life, I could accomplish anything that I put my mind too. I try so hard in school so that you will be proud of me, I have always tried to do that, and kept you in my mind when I've made the Dean's List for four semesters in a row now.

Thank you for being there for me during my biggest heartbreak, you knew how hurt I was and did everything you could to make me happy again. I know that I will always be your little girl, but I want you to know that I am extremely happy again finally. I know that relationships are very hard for you to deal with because I am your little girl. I know you take it hard when I announce I have a boyfriend. I also know you take it especially hard when I announce that same someone has broken my heart. Since my biggest and most recent heartbreak in January, thank you for telling me I am strong enough to walk away.

Thank you for trying your hardest to cheer me up when I'm at those lowest points. And thank you, thank you, thank you, for telling me he's not the one and to stop wasting so much time, also to stop crying over him because he isn't worth it and is just a douche bag anyways. I look up to you for everything; you are my biggest role model. I don't know where I would be in life if I didn't have you.

I love you so much; you are my best friend.

Your little girl,

Rachel