Dear Maddie

Dear Maddie,

You are graduating from high school and "moving out" in a couple of months and I am not sure how I feel about it. 

As I type this, I am probably feeling more emotional than I have. 

I will never forget the day you were born and I saw my daughter...the feeing of love was nothing I had ever experienced in how I loved you in that very moment.

It was a wave of love, excitement and fear. Fear because I was now responsible for a person and you can't mess around with that.

I've often joked if a pet dies everyone goes "awwww" that's too bad, but if something happens to your child, there's an investigation.

But it has been an absolute joy, but also honor to be your dad as you have reached this point.

I have learned so much about myself and about what matters in life because of you.

I took you to your first day of kindergarten (pictured above) and was there when you walked out as a student for the last time, and it seems like it happened in a blink.

Time is moving at two speeds all the time, quickly and slowly.

I know I haven't always been the best dad, and I am so sorry for those moments (okay, this is making me a little emotional), because I am not perfect and you are to me in so many ways, I failed you.

But never ever doubt that your mother and I love you.

Mom shows it other ways, but she would literally kill for you. Me, too...I am just more vocal about it and people know to back off!

Anyway...

I am so impressed with you. You're the best human I know and how I feel now with you graduating and moving on to the next part of your life is "a job well done".

Your mom had more to do with it than me, but I know I had a hand in it even if just backing up your mother.

But, I have zero doubts that you're going to do wonderful things and you're going to keep your mind on Christ as you do it.

And that's a win.

So congratulations, I love you, and there is never anything you could do that I won't love you.

I may get agitated, I may wonder what the F is gong on? 

But I will never not love you.

Know that while walking in and out of our door at home, it is just that...your home. A place you are loved unconditionally and the door is always open for you.