Hey, Daddy. I want you to know I love you. Your special day is coming up so I was trying to think of something special to give you. I also wanted you to know how special you are to me. I have many great memories.

One of my favorites are the many times you were teaching me how to build things and putting up with my crazy antics. Like painting myself blue when I was done with my tree house and the ladder. Eventually, we became so insync with eachother that I didn't even need you to tell me to do something. I would just know when you wanted me to move the wood a certain way or get you some tools. To me that's a special bond you only get once or twice in your life. Not many people can work in complete silence and as a team effectively, but you and I always seem to be able to.

Another wonderous memory are the times you took me fishing. That was the time it was just me and you. I felt so special the few times when Mom would stay behind in the cabin to read and we would just rest there with the sun on our faces and the sound of the water lapping at the boat. You even let me stand up and hold the rope while you were driving. When I filleted my first fish the fact that you praised me for it still makes me feel warm inside. I was able to make you proud of me that day. That alone was such a nice thing. You even let me help dig up those biting worms, but you never made me have to pick them up since they stung when they pinched. You told Mom how proud you were that I could dig for so long and how much I helped. When she told me, I was happy too. I always want to make you proud of me.

Somehow through all the years, all the dissappointments, all the times you were proud, all the times I got myself into trouble and you had to save me, all the times I fought with Mom and you had to play mediator, all the times I was simply a holy terror, and all the times you had to wonder if I would ever mature and finally be ready to take on the world by myself...you managed to be the perfect father. You struggled through hard times and good ones, but never did I lack for necessities or games. You need to hear it from me that I honestly appreciate all you've done for me and are still doing to this day. I know that it can be hard to watch me learn things the hard way...and truthfully that's usually the way I had to learn. I know how dissappointed you were when I struggled and became frustrated with college.

Yet it's the fact that you stood by me through all of that, that I'm going to remember forever. I can remember a time when I was probably around 12 or so that you took Mom and I to McDonald's. I ordered a value meal and by the end of it I was still hungry so you gave me the extra hamburger you always got. It might not have seemed like the kind of thing I should remember but to me it was this incredible gift. My Daddy loved me so much he'd give me his own food just to make sure I wasn't hungry anymore. It's little things like that that are enblazened upon my memory for life.

Then there are the times you remind me of a big kid, like when we go to amusement parks. I can see the joy painted on your face just to be there. You always treated me to any food or candy I wanted, tons of rides, and you'd ALWAYS come with me on the scary ones. I think I got my love of roller coasters from you. I still won't forget how much the one with the biggest drop in the world made our heads hurt. Even so, I can still say I got to go with my Daddy!

Another of those small and simple moments that meant the world to me were the times you and I would go to work together or to the dentist. You'd listen to me babble on and on about trivial things and my thoughts. I'd glance over every now and again to see your boyish grin if something happened to amused you. Which always made me feel happy to be the source of that smile. We'd listen to the Bob and Sherry show. That always led to me ranting about one thing or another. The whole time I'd feel the strong sense that we were family and you loved me.

I will always remember your part in my religion. You were the one who demanded I go to church when I was 13 and rebellious. You were also the one I'd listen to in the morning before school or work reading the guideposts outloud to Mom. I can still hear the relaxing, gentle voice you used as vividly as if you were reading now. That was such a peaceful moment of my childhood. One that'll never be forgotten. You even used to say roseries with Mom in the car. That used to drive me mad because I was young and silly and just wanted to talk. Now it's one of those things I look back and laugh at.

I'll never forget the story of the day I was coming home from the hospital. I was just born recently and was a teeny, tiny baby. You were so happy that I was a girl that you demanded I go home in a pink outfit. The problem being you thought the hospital would wrap me up in one and they didn't. So in the middle of a blizzard you travelled from store to store until you somehow managed to find one spring baby outfit that was pink. That was the first time you proved to me how much I meant to you. I only wish I could've remembered it.

There are so many more memories. Far more than I could ever hope to recall as I write this for the world to see. I think I might've gotten the best of them, but with so many to choose from it's hard to pick just a couple anyway. At least these go to show that while I wasn't always vocal of how much I appreciated all of these special times that I think of them often and recall them fondly.

So now I'm almost all grown. I've married. I've got a job. I pay for my own things, but you know what? Not only am I still your little girl but you are still guiding me and teaching me. You've opened doors for Jason and I to get good jobs. You teach me office ethics by example while we work together. You give me the needed pushes to give me the courage to learn the new things I have to to stay a worthwhile member of this office. You even give me the time I need to study for the test that'll secure my place in the county. You've given me my first car, paid for my wedding, and rented a home to me when I couldn't find one myself. You've given me internet and worked with Jason and I as we try and learn how to deal with bills and neighbors.

There just are no words to describe how much I love you. Just like there are no words that could possibly describe how much you love me. So all we can do is show our love. That's exactly what you did. So...here I am telling you the message was well received. No matter what has happened in our lifetimes, nothing can ever take that away from us. I'm your little girl, Daddy. The one you wanted and prayed for way back when. The one you cared for as best you could. The one who will always love you. Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Melissa