I will always be your daughter

You were never able to have a child with my mom; still, you saw me as your little princess and daughter. Now that I look back at the time we had an argument and told you that you're not my dad and didn't speak to me for almost a week, I realize how much I wounded your heart with those words. I know that you value me so much. The relationship between us at the beginning was nowhere near great, I didn't like you at all, but as time passed, I learned so many things from you. I learned the importance of speaking up for myself; I learned not to be afraid to speak my mind, and I realized that despite my mistakes, those mistakes do not define me as a whole person. You showed me that I am someone who is a rose; you showed me I am not some loser like those kids at middle school would assume.

I remember when I was falsely accused of a crime at my dad's home, and everyone pointed fingers at me. I was visibly upset that they were not honest about wanting me out of their house. The fact that you didn't ask me for proof that I didn't commit this crime means a lot to me because it showed me that you trust me. You know me so well, and I would never do something horrific in my life. I appreciate you for not believing all the lies about me.

One of my favorite things to do with you is cooking. When it comes to cooking, you have taught me so much. You taught me how to shred cheese, how to make delicious salsa, how long I must wait for potatoes to boil, how to dice tomatoes, how to season meat, how to chop cilantro properly, how to cook Mexican rice, how to make flan, how to prepare delightful rice water, and so much more. I love that you always tell me what my flaw is whenever I cook something, like when I cooked roasted poblanos in a creamy sauce; you advised me to make sure that next time I add a bit more flavor to it. I always feel happy when you are satisfied with what I cook because seeing you happy makes me happy. Patience is not your most excellent skill, but when it comes to cooking, you never yell at me for not getting something done right the third or tenth time. I remember when I was making quesadillas for you. Instead of being upset with me that I didn't put enough cheese, you kindly told me that it's okay to put a lot of cheese inside the tortilla and to make sure that next time I'm not afraid to put a lot of cheese inside it. You understand that not everyone will master something right away.

I can't imagine my life without you; you make it colorful. There were times when we didn't speak for weeks and months, and believe me, when I say that, it was beyond awful. After our last heated argument, I'm grateful we could put it behind us and move forward. Despite us disagreeing from time to time, we still care about each other. You are the one person I know I can fully trust. You never judge or belittle me, which is why I feel I can be open to you. If I were to tell my mom what I think about specific topics, she would be quick to criticize me. She would tell me my thoughts are wrong, but you take the time to listen to me and understand my viewpoint.

It doesn't matter that we don't have the same blood. What truly matters is that you never make me feel excluded. I will always be your daughter, and I am beyond grateful that you are in my life to give me advice or listen to me whenever I am happy or down. You're not my biological father, but I still want you in my life, and I will always be your little princess.