To The Man Who Loves Me The Most

“(My dad) is patient, (my dad) is kind. (He) does not envy, (he) does not boast, (he) is not proud. (My dad) does not dishonor others, (he) is not self-seeking, (he) is not easily angered, (he) keeps no record of wrongs. (My dad) does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (He) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Thank you for always showing me these values in life. While you constantly give mom and I the “stank eye,” you always have the best intentions for us. Every decision you make in life revolves around your family. You push yourself so hard and beat yourself up so much to make sure that we have everything we need, and then some.

You are such a hard worker and have shown me the rigor it takes to support a family. You have taught me how to be a financially independent woman, how to check my oil (even if I don’t do it as often as I should), how to put air in my tires, how to hunt, how to shoot a bow, but most importantly — how to love others so fiercely.

You have the biggest heart and the best intentions for everyone you meet. You put others above yourself constantly. You strive for greatness, and it shows.

Some of my favorite memories with you are in the woods. You may drive me nuts practicing your turkey calls religiously, but I look forward to every time Spring rolls around — because that means I get to watch you do what you love.

As Uncle Bud would say — let’s go make a memory. There’s nothing better than waking up at 4 am to watch the sunrise and hear nature wake up with my daddy. It’s not about the hunt — it’s about appreciating God’s greatness in those woods. And you taught me that.

You taught me to appreciate life and never hold back. You taught me to shoot for the stars no matter how far.

As I leave college in May, I hope you are confident in the little girl you raised — because I think you did pretty great.

I love you daddy, and I’m so thankful you’re mine.

Love,

Baby Bear