Dear Dad,

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year that is totally centered around appreciating loved ones and expressing how much they mean to you. So I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how lucky I am to have you as a father.

When I was little you were the only man in my life. You were the one who took care of me and made sure I was safe, healthy, and happy. You worked tirelessly to make sure I had everything I needed and more. You sacrificed your own happiness for mine over and over again. You showed me what it means to truly love someone. Growing up, your example set the bar high for any man who will ever come into my life. I guess it’s true that little eyes really do see everything, because I saw you wake up before the sun and not return until after it had set in order to provide for your family, and then even though you must have been exhausted, you never once said no to helping me with my homework. I saw you standing on the sidelines at all my games and sitting in the audience at all of my performances, even when I’m sure you had more important things to be doing. I saw you stand up for me when I wasn’t strong enough to do it for myself, I saw your strength through hard times, and I saw your kindness, patience, and wisdom every day of my life. All of these things showed me what a real man should be.

But I’m growing up now and you are no longer going to be the only man in my life. However, you are the only man who matters. Boyfriends will come and go, but at the end of the day you are the one that I will always be able to count on. You were there the day I was born, you were there the day I graduated, and every day in between. And someday, when a person who I can only hope will be even half the man that you are comes into my life, you will walk me down the aisle at my wedding. Unconditional love is rare and hard to come by, but you taught me not to settle for anything less. Our dads truly are our first loves. Thank you for the life that you have built for our family, for your continuous strength that makes us all stronger, and for showing me what love is.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Daddy.

Love always,

Your little girl