Dear Dad,

It is your birthday, and that is why I’m blogging on a Wednesday. I hope you already know how much I love and appreciate you, but I just want to make sure we have it down on paper (ahem, or computer screen).

First let me say, I am grateful you and Mom never had another daughter. I wanted a sister for a long time growing up, but at some point I came to my senses. I enjoyed not sharing clothes or attention with anyone else. But I especially appreciated being the favorite daughter, the only daughter, of you and my darling Mama.

I love how much my brothers love and respect you, and seek you out for advice. I love the way you have led our family, and the values you instilled in us. I love that you have believed in me and told me I can do anything I put my mind to, and that if God wants me to do something, He will make a way. You encourage me in my relationships, my career, my writing (!), and most importantly, my relationship with Jesus.

Thank you for teaching me math, that “the backboard is your friend,” and how to get out of a ticket for illegal fishing (just kidding, I did that all on my own). I inherited from you my sense of humor (we’re hilarious!), a weird nerdy appreciation for the ten-key, and laughing at horrible Netflix Christmas movies. I do dream of a world in which we could travel and do missions and support ourselves through our Father-Daughter radio show (consisting of Dad humor, puns, fishing stories, and all the ways life is hard for left-handed people).

I admire the way you have taken advantage of the opportunities God has given you to minister to, care for, and support people all around you. You are one of the most generous people I know. You’ve taught me so much – in fact, I just made a loan payment in the middle of writing this. I’m such a grown-up because of you! I feel like my life will probably always contain a little bit of “What I hafta do now, daddy?”, because your guidance is crucial.

I’ve spent a lot of time with friends who didn’t have a dad like you, and I count myself insanely blessed. My relationship with the Lord is healthy because I had an example of what a Father is supposed to look like. I have hope for marriage because of the way you have loved my Mom. I believe God is faithful and good because you have been those things to me.

Obviously no parent is perfect, and we have had our times. Mostly middle school, when I was a miserable person to be around. So I officially (and publicly!) apologize for that. But overall Dad, you’ve done an amazing job at being who God called you to be. I hope you never feel that your life is small or insignificant in any way, because it shaped who I am in more ways than I could ever express to you.

What I want to say to you the most is thank you. Thank you for being a consistent and loving and kind Father to me and the boys. Thank you for taking us to church, showing us what it looks like to be faithful, and modeling a life worth living. Your legacy will be your love for your family – for Mom, me, and the brothers – and that is no small thing.

Love you, Daddy.

For the world to enjoy, here I am – insanely excited about that trophy. WOW that face.