Dear Daddy, with love.

 Dear Daddy, Happy 46th Birthday. 

You may be halfway across the world right now, and I may not get to give you a big warm hug, but I pray that you'll be surrounded by love and happiness. I pray that God's angels will encamp around you throughout every second of the day and may they protect you from harm's way. I'm blowing tons of blessings your way and I hope that it gets you through the day. With love from all of us at home.

I contemplated on which would be the best way to wish you for your birthday and I ended up deciding to write a journal entry. Simply because you're not worth a simple birthday note on Facebook or a quick e-mail; you're worth so much more than that, Daddy. 

After thinking of ways to wish you, came the question of what to say to you. I didn't want to just write you a birthday poem or a letter because I seem to be doing that on every occasion. And I realized that after awhile, the hype of getting something written by one of your children will soon be just another meaningless letter on the table. As I sat in my room, questioning myself, a sudden overwhelming wave of thankfulness washed over me. I began to think about what I was thankful for. 

Here goes: 

I'm thankful for having an amazing father. 

I'm thankful to God that I am one of those blessed ones whom has grown up with a father-figure.

I'm thankful for having someone as my pillar of strength throughout my 17 years.

I'm thankful for having someone in my life I know I can run to, when the going gets tough or when it feels like the world has gone against me.

I'm thankful for having someone in my life whom has never failed to uplift my spirits or to fuel that spark within me when I am discouraged. 

But most of all, I guess I'm just thankful I have you in my life. I've been blessed enough to have you watch me grow up, to watch me 'blossom' into a young lady. And as every daughter needs a father, you were there when I needed you. You were there to encourage me to strive for the best, to put effort into what I love doing and to achieve greater things. Truth be told, I wouldn't have gotten through what I have if it weren't for you. In a few more weeks, I'll be sitting for yet another major exam and that means I'm gonna need someone to drill and discipline me to perform my very best. You see, I'm never gonna stop needing you in my life. Time flies by faster than a blink of an eye and by each second, I'm growing up. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop being your little girl. 

A daughter might be obliged to say these wonderful things but I'm not doing this out of duty as a daughter or obligation. You may have already read the same things in one of the many letters I've written to you, but I'm going to keep saying it. I love you, Daddy. Although you may not hear this word as often as you'd like, just know that I do. And wherever you are right now, my heart and love goes out to you.