“Fathers be good to your daughters, daughters will love like you do.”

Dear Dad,

It may be Father’s Day weekend, but I hope you know that this is not the only time I’m thankful for you, and it shouldn’t be the only time I tell you how much you mean to me (but I certainly don’t do it enough). You have never once failed to show me the unconditional love you have for Mom, Alex, and me—even though Alex and I are hard to handle at times.

Out of every helping hand I have ever received, yours has been the one to steer me in the best direction for myself and my well being. You’ve always stood back and let me shine, while capturing moments of sport or theater by your camera lens. Thank you for being the best father I could imagine. Thank you for being the first to give me a high five or hug after a soccer game, swim meet, or performance, despite how well I did. Thank you for welcoming into your career world and taking me to convention after convention, introducing me to you friends, and letting them welcome me as well. Thank you for taking me on trips to look at colleges. I know it may be hard to keep some opinions to yourself, but thank you for letting me choosing schools I like and dislike, and supporting me no matter what. Thank you for letting me cry when I’m frustrated, heart broken or angry; thank you for always have a box of tissues in your office.

Your ability to make me laugh when I’m sad, make me want to sing even when I’m sick, and make me love when all I want to do is hate, amazes me every day. You get angry sometimes; we all do. But you have the ability to shake it off like Tay Swift, which is a quality some people do not possess. You taught me what love is, and what it means. You showed me that love is being humble, while also loving yourself. Love equals respect and support no matter what. I learned from the way you love Mom, so thank you for that too. Thank you for showing me a love that I want to have one day.

I hope you know I remember everything you have done for me since I was a little girl. I remember the times you would sing “Sweet Baby James” to me so I would fall asleep. I remember every baseball game we’ve gone to and the James Taylor concerts we’ve been to. I remember when you took me bowling just because I wanted to go. Please know, I remember every selfless thing you’ve done for me, and not asked for anything in return.

The things you’ve helped me experience and learn are things I’ll never forget, and things that have changed me into the young woman I am today. Without your encouragement, strength, humor, and wisdom, I would not be who I am today, so I thank you for that.

One day (hopefully in the next year), I’ll move out, go on to college, and a start a new journey. One day (hopefully in more than a few years) you’ll walk me down the aisle and give me away to a man, chosen by how you taught me to love and be loved in return. So thank you, Dad, for making me the strong, driven woman I am today.

I love you more than words can say, and that love will never fail.

Happy Father’s Day, dude.

Love,

Peanut

“On the behalf of every man looking out for every girl, you are the god and the weight of her world.”