Daddy, now that I am older, I have a better idea of everything you did for me when I was growing up. Or that you still do to this day. You work so hard to make sure I am happy and healthy and have everything I need. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for all you've done for me, but, today and always, please know how truly grateful I am. You held my hand when I was small, caught me when I fell. You're the hero of my childhood, and my later years as well. I love the way we don't have to say out loud that I'm your favorite child. I love calling you by your nick names that you hate. I love your ice cream, and basically all of your food. I love your little gray hairs, and the fact that sometimes we tell you what to wear. But most of all dad, I love that you let me, be me. That crazy daughter who sings in the car, who fights over the Oreos and the remote with you. The one who calls you constantly looking for a solution. Can't say I'm the easiest [cause I know I'm not], but at the end of the day, successes and all, I will owe it all to you. "There's two things I know for sure, {I was} sent here from heaven and {I'm} daddy's little girl."
Tonight, may we call you our own Richard. May you be the grandpa he was to Rory, forever will be the dad he was to Lorelai, and as you keep lovin' my momma like Richard loved Emily.
Happy birthday big man. Love you forever!
Yours truly,
Annalee (Tonight, more known as daddy's little girl)