I was once your bright-eyed baby girl.

Your first born who quickly became your tiny shadow.

I remember the times that you'd tuck me in tight and tell me my favorite bedtime stories about horses until I'd fall asleep. And when I'd wake up in the middle of the night too scared to walk to your room, I'd scream for you from across the house and you'd hurry down the hall.

Then I got older. And the things that trouble me now have been much larger than any monster I used to hear under my bed.

Though you may not be running down the hall at night anymore coming to my rescue, I know you are still there.

You've never failed to show support, to offer advice, to give your unconditional love, and believe in me even at times I don't believe in myself.

You have a way of making my problems seem so small compared to what I am capable of conquering in this life.

You've shown me the world through a way that most people may never see.

You've reminded me everyday that I am responsible for my own happiness and that I cannot find my worth in someone else.

You have no problem telling me the raw truth, but I realize you only want what's best for me.

Someday, I'll be as confident as you are in the fact that I am just as strong and independent as you've always seen me to be.

And I'm sure reality may be hard to grasp, but there will come the time when you walk me down the aisle on my wedding day.

I know it'll seem like it then, but I'll never fully let go. I know you will always be standing behind me as I chase my dreams and make this world my own.

And I'll always look back for you.

I have all that I need because of you- in my heart and in my mind.

And just remember, there will never be anything that your hug can't cure and there is no guy that could ever take your place.

I will always be your little girl.