From a little girl who never wants to grow up

I don’t know where to start.
You’ve been there for me even before I can remember,
The single most constant thing in my life.
I remember going to sleep just listening to the sound of your voice
The innumerable fairytales you told while I listened in awe
Weekends at the beach and castles in the sand
Looking back, I wish those days lasted longer daddy,
Or at least that I’d understood back then how precious they were.
You taught me how to ride my first bike,
Running alongside me making sure I didn’t fall.
You let go when you thought I’d do alright by myself.
I looked back. I smiled.

All the long drives dad and the fishing trips every Friday
Camping in a tent in the middle of the hall!!
The wrestling bouts that Small so skilfully tried to stay away from
Mom’s awesome cooking, your special cauliflower soup and stir fried chicken in wine.
So many memories daddy, that make what we have so special.
You were everything a little girl could ever dream her Daddy to be.
You put up with all my nonsense, stood by me through my mistakes.
Punished me when I was wrong and supported me when I made it right.
Thank you for all your trust, for all your encouragement and your faith in me.
I know there were times when I let you down,
When I was selfish and never realised that I’d hurt you
I’m sorry for all those times dad. I never meant to hurt you.

You respect me as a person, treat me as an equal.
Ask me for my opinions and understand my thoughts.
You give me my freedom in the hope that I won’t break your trust.
Thank you dad for your faith in me. I promise I won’t let you down.
I’m scared about the future. I won’t lie.
I don’t want things to change. I love where we are today.
I don’t want to grow up. Even if I have to,
I will always be my daddy’s little girl.
Thank you daddy for being my role model
Thank you for all that you teach me everyday
Thank you for being my hero
Thank you for being my best friend.

Happy Birthday Dadda. I love you.