Journaling reads (yeah I'm 67 and still call him Daddy - so does one of my older step-sisters!):
Dear Daddy,
I was looking through my scrapbooks today and realized how thankful I am that I am part of this family and not another. I’m sure other families are wonderful, but I think ours is the most wonderful of all. Why? Let me tell you. You gave us the space and the courage to take chances - always with a safety net in place! - to become who and what we are. I know your heart must have thumped wildly out of control at some of my antics and choices, but you always were there to encourage or console, to celebrate my gains, and help me analyze my losses. You gave us a warm, loving, safe home in which to grow and become. It was filled with love, laughter, and opportunity - discipline, too. I loved the former and loathed the latter, but now I see the value of both. Thank you! You love us for who we are - not for who you want us to be or hoped we would be. It is so liberating to know that when we finally spread our wings to fly, you were there cheering enthusiastically, waving with tear-filled eyes radiant with love and confidence in us. You cannot possibly know how much that means to me now. Although we live half the country apart, I still feel the warmth of that confidence and the comfort of your arms around me. Yes, I’m so thankful to be part of THIS family and just had to tell you so. I love you with all my heart!