Grandaddy,

You were my first love. Even though my dad was in my life until I was 16, it’s always been you. Most little girls say that they’re a daddy’s girl, but for me, I’ve always been a grandaddy’s girl. You’ve been my best friend, my hero, and the person I wanted to be like the most my entire life. You were tough and nothing got to you, but you were also the first person to help someone in need. My favorite compliment was when someone said that I was stubborn just like you (which I don’t think they probably meant as a compliment, but that’s how I took it.) You’ve loved me like your own daughter and have taken care of me more than most grandfathers would have. You have made sure there was never a day in my life that I didn’t have everything I needed, and everything that I wanted.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve only grown to appreciate you more. When I was little I loved you because you spent so much time with me. You taught me so much. You let me help plant your garden, my job was to drop the seeds in the holes. You let me drive the four-wheeler while you sprayed the garden, and my favorite thing was waking up early enough when I spent the night to help feed the horses and go outside with you. Being picked up in your truck was always the best days in elementary school. I wanted a white truck with red interior so I could be just like you. And I can even remember the smell of your hairspray that you used to use that was in the black can you would keep in your bathroom. The lessons I’m learning from you now though are far more important. You’ve planted the thoughts of how to manage money, how to take care of a family, and what’s most important to pay attention to in life. By being so good to Nana, you’ve given me the example of what a husband should be to his wife and to his family. Even when we’re just riding down the road, you teach me things. You’re the kindest and most wise person I’ve ever met. Because of you, I will always check Consumer Reports before I buy a car, even though I’ve claimed to hate that book because of how religiously you follow their reviews. Westerns are my favorite because we watch them together, and because of that, I love John Wayne.

Even when I thought you were going to be the most disappointed in me, you proved me wrong. You loved me more through my faults. You have shown me forgiveness and compassion. You’ve taught me to look past people’s mistakes and to love them anyways. You didn’t know how much I needed you; you’ve just always been the best man that you could be, and that was everything I could have ever needed. You took care of my mom, my sister and me when my dad left us in pieces. Your hugs can get me through the toughest days, and your laugh makes my good days even better. God knows that everyone needs someone special and influential in their lives, and for me, that’s you.

Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for always fixing me lunch, for taking me to five guys, for getting me braces, for making sure I had a home and a car, for always seeing that I was okay, and for teaching me to be who I am. Even though sometimes it’s tough love, it’s the best love.

You’re the best PT.

Love, Lindsey.