An Open Letter to My Girlfriend on Father's Day.

For all parents that are in the dating world, you know how hard it is to find someone that can appreciate and love you and your crazy life! Its an emotional struggle and a battle to find balance.

An Open Letter to My Girlfriend on Fathers Day.

Thank you for loving that I’m a dad. When I became a dad everything changed. My reason, or as I call it, my "why", had changed. Being a dad is one thing, being a dating dad is another, and being a long distance dating dad is a test of character. You asked if I was excited for fathers day, and when I said no, I felt bad. I thought to myself "I should not be celebrated for doing what I should be doing, and that’s being a great dad." However, I realized there are things, and people, that allow me to be as good of a dad as I believe I am, and one of those things is you! So Let me thank you.

Thank you for being patient when I walked out in the middle of dinners at nice restaurants leaving you alone, because Chance was calling on FaceTime . Thank you for pretending that it wasn’t awkward at all sitting at the table alone.

Thank you for being willing to have a nerf gun fight instead of a fancy dinner, and for trying to win.

Thank you for allowing me to take things slow, when answering the question of “is he your boyfriend?” became confusing.

Thank you for stopping mid-sentence when you hear my FaceTime ringing, even though you had more to say.

Thank you for walking around the house pretending to be really busy while I’m talking to Chance, when I know you are really just looking for things to do so I wouldn’t feel bad for being dad. Thank you for unnecessarily washing the dishes 3 times.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show my son how women should be treated.

Thank you for proudly explaining to your friends that I’m talking to Chance, when I walk out of social situations.

Thank you for understanding that sometimes I'm not there when you are feeling sad. I know how strong you are, but also see your sacrifice.

Thank you for knowing when I’m sad and missing him, you just touch my head and say, “you’re a good dad”

Thank you for being patient while I learn to perform a balancing act, I never want you to feel unimportant.

Thank you for your fear of saying or doing anything that might keep me from him. I see it, but don’t, your feelings are important and so are you.

Thank you for handling the fact that I see my ex all the time with the grace of someone who cares about the happiness of me and my son.

Thank you for looking at me with eyes of appreciation and love, and not jealousy when I gush about my son.

Thank you for being my partner in our struggles.

Thank you for trying to make me believe that the dog is an adequate substitute for cuddling, so I don’t feel bad for being gone. Although she has serious cuddle skills!

Thank you for pretending that me being out of town, doesn’t hurt your heart as much as it does.

Thank you for being willing to share my time, attention, and my love. Just know that you have your own piece of my time, attention, and love that is dedicated only for you. If you are ever missing one or all of those, tell me, because it surly was a mistake on my part.

This is a long list, however, here are many more things I would like to thank you for. What I want you to know is that I see all the little things you do and all the sacrifices you make. I know it is not easy, and I want you to know that I appreciate how much you love me for being a good dad. You give me the confidence when I’m most insecure, the strength when I’m weak, and the support when I need it most.

I appreciate everything you do, and everything you are. So on this fathers day, I want to thank you.

I Love you, and want you forever.

Scotty