Happy I Love You Day!! I remember the day we met and you were introduced to me by Mom as Tom. As time passed I began to understand that you were more than you name.  You were my Dad, my Daddy, my Ace, my First Date, my First Male Role Model. You have planted a seed and you got to watch it grow. Now your seed is blossoming. I could not have blossomed without you. Thank you for being there whenever I needed it, and even when I thought I didn’t need it. Thank you for teaching me respect, confidence, and proper etiquette. Thank you for letting me find my own way even when you knew I was lost. Thank you for acknowledging how hard I’ve worked, but also know that I would not be here without you. You have been a pillar of support, guidance since you have entered into my life. You’ve inspired me to continue to strive to be the best version of myself every day. I could have not asked for a better supporter than I had in you. You did not show your love on Valentine's Day but the other 364 days of the year as well. I was spoiled and I knew it. I love and owe you more than I could ever offer.

You and I had a unique relationship. There are many reasons I am grateful to you, but in honor of a day set aside for celebrating love, I wanted to thank you for a few.

For your knowledge. I will never forget the day I left to go to college. We were standing outside of our house and you said, "I have never been more proud of you. Your future is very bright ahead, and you have every opportunity to decide what it entails. In four years, that degree will be your ticket to success. I love you more than you'll ever know." It's been over 10 years since that moment, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Thank you.

For your love. Not just for me, but for my mom, my sister, my brother, and my interests. The way you spoke about mom, Tosha and Mike was with such pride and adoration. I knew you will never let anything bad happen to us, and we will never let anything happen to you.

For your support. A little over a years ago, we were sitting downstairs watching television, and I told you I had decided to forget Tyrus and him and I were a couple again. You got up went to the fridge and got me a snapple and said "cheers to your happiness, love is very hard to find and it takes a lot of work to be in a wonderful relationship, I love you and overall he is a great guy". You would secretly ask how he was doing because you knew Mom didn't care for him. Thanks for not only supporting my love for him but understanding every real relationship has its ups and downs. Thank you.

For your encouragement. Every single endeavor I've pursued, you've researched, supported and involved yourself with. Whether it was quitting my job, finding a new job, falling in love, and laughing at my jokes, Daddy you continue to encourage me to live the life that makes me happy. Thank you.

For pushing me. While I may not have acted grateful at the time, I appreciate your thoughts in many of my life decisions. Sometimes, my decisions might not have been best, but you gave your opinion and let me go and if I fell down you were there to pick me up. Thank you.

For listening to me. As you know, I like to vent and run to mommy and you. cry a lot. I would call you for answers about live events and every single time, you pick up the phone and let me vent. And every single time, when I'm done you ask, "do you want my advice, do you want your mothers or are you just venting?" and you appreciate my response, either way. Thank you.

For understanding how I function. I know at times, I could have the worst attitude or even mouth but through it all you saw a young lady inside me that is very intelligent and smart. At times, we would disagree because you would get on me and I didn't know how to take it because you never discipline you left that for mom to do, but now as I'm older and wiser I understand and know you just wanted the best for me. Thank you.

For all of these things, and so much more -- thank you. Happy Valentine's Day, Dad. I miss you so much and love you even more. Until we meet again please continue to love, support, encourage, push, listen, understand and most of all bless me with your knowledge in life. I need you more than you or anyone will ever know.

Tom,

I'm sending you a little note with a kiss in every fold.
I asked God for a flower, He gave me a bouquet.
I asked God for a minute, He gave me a day.
I asked God for true love, He gave me that too.

I asked for an angel and God gave me you! "Happy Valentine Day"

Honey, my heart belongs to YOU!!!

I love you,
Ellie