Dear Dad,

I was laying in bed tonight sorting out the thoughts of the day. I realized in that process that tomorrow today is Father's Day. and then I realized, "this is the first Father's Day that I've spent without my dad."

Oh but wait, Father's Day isn't about me. Silly me :) But it is about you, and I started thinking how heart-breaking it must be for you to not have me there on your day :D After all, what are you doing without the pirate who doesn't do anything?

So here I sit, at 1am because I knew that I wouldn't sleep right without getting the following thoughts out of my head and onto somewhere. In some ways, I'm glad I'm not home now... because I honestly don't know that I could say all this in person. I am able to say what I think and feel better in writing and I hope that you are encouraged to hear these words.

I can't even begin to tell you how much you've come to mean to me over the last few years. it was hard when I was growing up, I know that, and I think you do too. We had our rough times but throughout it all, I've come to see what an amazing dad you've been. To me, to rob, jay and dan and to the rest of your family...

You're "kid central" with all the grand-kids and I hope and pray that I am able to see you play with my kids the same way.

I'm thankful to God for restoring our family and giving us renewed opportunity to love each other and become the foursome that we are now. I love our place at 71 and I love that I've spent all of my adult years at home with you and Mom and Dan. It's such a comfort to me knowing that I have a place to lay my head where I am safe, protected and loved beyond my comprehension.

You're a blessing in my life, Dad. I value your input and I will seek your counsel as long as you're around. I want your approval more than anyone, and I really feel that from you right now. Thank you.

You're a good man! I love you so much and cannot thank God enough for picking you to be my Dad. I wouldn't trade you for anyone... seriously.

All my love,
Your baby girl,