Our family was never traditional

I am the youngest

But mentally, I am the oldest out of everyone

Other than you

Without you, I would be a completely different person

Without you, there is no me

As I am

Today.

My first lesson on how to be a “woman”

Came from you.

My first bra, you took me to get it.

When I first taught myself how to make pasta,

You were there

One room away.

And I boasted to you as you gave me all the acclaim in the world.

I love you so much

That even writing this

Even the very THOUGHT

That one day….

Never mind.

I love you

I love you so much

I am so grateful to you.

When I am complimented on the young woman I have become,

I say, “Thank HIM, not me.”

Because if it weren’t for HIM, there would be no ME

As I am

Today.

To my dad,

Daddy,

Thank you.