I’ve been a daddy’s girl since the day I was born. If my dad put on his work boots, I would put on his work boots. If my dad was outside grilling, I was outside “grilling.” Fishing on the lake was one of our favorite things to do. I was always too scared to touch the fish, though. But have no fear, dad always came to the rescue to get it off the hook. Dad and I did everything together, from playing baseball in the front yard to climbing through “the jungle” out back to playing princess dress up. But there was something I’ve always admired about my dad more than almost anything—the way he loves my momma. My parents’ relationship is something I dream of having someday, but because of this, I have some high standards lied out.

Dad, I love you so, very much. You actually are the greatest father in the world. I have learned so many things from you and your relationship with Mom that have given me a model of what I wish to have in a marriage someday. Here are some of the things I’ve learned from being your little girl

How to country dance

I remember being three years old and standing on top of your feet in the kitchen while you two stepped all around. Mom laughed at us with that cheery tone she has in the background. You always called me your dancing queen and told me to make sure I slide my feet and not do that goofy choppy step business. All of that practice payed off years later as I spent multiple nights a week two-stepping at Coupland’s Dance Hall, watching you eye all the boys who asked me to dance. To this day, none of them have ever been as good as you, though.

How to sing without holding back

All those countless car rides of listening to you belt the words to "Live Like You Were Dying" or every Sunday when I would elbow you at church because you were singing so loud that people around us could hear and I was embarrassed (not because you were bad just because people were looking). Even the last time I came home from school and you were singing and dancing to "I Can't Feel My Face" and it was hilarious, but every time I’d try to catch you on Snapchat you would stop (still butt-hurt about that). Through singing, you taught me that in life I should never hold back who I am to try and impress someone. I just have to go out there and sing goofy songs to the top of my lungs and be exactly who I am, because life is too short to be anything other than joyful ol’ me.

How to give fully and graciously

No matter what, you always will drop absolutely anything to help anyone. I have lived 19 entire years, and to this day, I have never met someone who has sacrificed so much for others as you have. The best part is that you don’t do these things other than out of the goodness of your heart. Dad, you love people when no one is watching. I owe you for all of the times you took off work to come to my sporting events. You never missed a single one of my games growing up, and you were always my biggest fan. I owe you for all the times you’ve gone and washed my truck and filled up the tank without me even knowing. I owe you for all those mornings when you would have my car warmed up for me just so that i wouldn’t be cold on my way to school. Every Sunday, watching you put money into the offering and then buy lunch for every family who ate with us that afternoon. Dad, I strive to be like you in this way and hope to someday fulfill that, and to someday meet someone who comes in at a close second to having a heart like yours.

How to go with the flow

You’re just along for the ride. You’ve never been picky about where we’re going to eat for dinner or anything as a matter of fact. You’re good with whatever. Those times mom and I would argue about something silly, you would come in and be the peacemaker because that’s just who you are. We owe ya.

How to have a good time

No one else in the world knows how to have as good of a time as you and mom. I have to admit, mom is the outgoing one, but y’all are both the fun ones. I laugh to this day listening to your college stories of playing dominoes at the Dixie Chicken (I’ve yet to go and do that). Dad, we just have so much stinkin’ fun, no matter what it is. I love how most of our good times typically revolve around being on the water. I will always be your boat babe. I remember spending an entire weekend at the river just sitting in our creek chairs watching people tube down the rapids and yelling “wooohooooooooo!” to every person who came down. We laughed so hard that trip. Dad, you just make things fun. Period.

How to be a silent leader

Actions speak louder than words, always. Everything you do displays that. You do such big things with great love, and then you never look for credit. People thank you for your works and your response is always “no sweat.” You are such a quiet leader, Dad, and I adore it.

How to love Jesus with my whole heart

My favorite part of being your daughter has been watching you follow Jesus in all aspects of life. You glorify God in the way that you support your family, treat your workers, friends and strangers, the way you live your life and the way you make time to intentionally rest. Your life just splatters His light all over the place. How lucky am I to have parents with such full hearts for the Lord to model after?!

So Dad, here it is — thank you. Thank you for letting me be your little princess all these years. Thank you for giving me a perfect display of what to look for in a guy. Thank you for showing me through who you are, I should never settle for less than I know I deserve. Thank you and Mom for showing me what a pure and godly marriage looks like. Someday I hope to find someone who has these qualities that I have learned from you and loves Jesus as much as you too. When I meet him, I’ll still make sure you approve first, though. Thanks for setting my standards so high.

Good luck boys.