The day you were born is one that I will never forget because it changed my life forever. I had no idea that this little girl all swaddled up in a blanket that I was holding in my arms would grab a hold of my heart like she did and has. Life would never be the same for me, because you entered into it.

After that day coming to work changed forever, because I was now going to a job that I didn’t really like but I was willing to do it to provide for you and your mom. Coming home from work was even better, because it meant I got to come home and see you. To hear the noises you would make and eventually come home to running towards me yelling, “DADDY!” It didn’t matter what was happening or how bad my day may have been, because knowing that I was your daddy made it all better.

They say that you never understand the feelings and emotions a parent has for their child until you become one. Whoever “they” is I can say that they were right. However, I still can’t fully comprehend all of those feelings and emotions. At times they are overwhelming and when I stand and look at you from afar I just stand amazed at who you have become.

Now here I sit and we are getting ready for the day you will graduate high school and I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing young woman you have become. You have the grace and beauty of your mother. It has been so fun these past few years to see you and your mom go shopping together, or doing each other’s hair and makeup.

That picture you had sent to me when I was in Florida was a life changing picture for me and you probably never realized it. It wasn’t life changing just because your mom looked so hot in it either. It was at that moment that I realized my little girl had really become a young woman. I saw that change in you that I hadn’t really noticed before.

Even though our relationship will change over these next few years from parent and child to more of a friendship and peer relationship I hope you will always be my little girl. I love you, Hannah, more than words could ever express. My life is so much more complete because I was given the awesome responsibility to be your dad.

God has amazing things in store for your life and I am excited to see the places that you will go and the lives that you will touch. Always hold tight to your relationship with your heavenly dad, because He loves you immensely more than I ever could. And honestly I don’t know how that could be possible, but He does.

I love you forever!

Dad