Jared Padalecki thanks his kids in heartfelt letter: 'You've humbled me'

June 30 (UPI) -- Dad-of-three Jared Padalecki was feeling grateful when he penned a heartfelt letter to his kids this month.

The 34-year-old actor voiced his love for 5-year-old Thomas, 3-year-old Austin and 3-month-old Odette in a post-Father's Day message that his wife, Genevieve, shared on her website Thursday.

"dear tom, shep, and odette,

i realize fathers day was supposed to be about.... well... 'fathers'... praising them and thanking them and making them feel needed and appreciated.

but, as the 'father' in this relationship, i wanted to change things up a bit. specifically, i wanted to take this opportunity, after my FIFTH fathers day (and counting), not to say 'you're welcome,' but to say 'thank you'..."

Padalecki recalled a number of moments with his children before thanking them for "all of the extra sunrises I've been able to witness" and "that special feeling you have when you know the world around you is sleeping," among other reasons.

"thank you for letting me feel what its like to love something more than yourself. you've taught me more than any mentor or teacher ever could. i have your back. now and always," the actor added. "you've humbled me, you've helped me rediscover the joy of discovery. you've turned my world upside down. and i wouldn't have it any other way."

Padalecki and Genevieve met on the set of Supernatural in 2008, and married in 2010. The 36-year-old actress dedicated a sweet message to Padalecki on Instagram on Father's Day this month.

"To the best dad and husband I know. You have truly found your calling. Tom, Shep and Odette and are so lucky to have you as their dad, and I am so lucky as your wife. We make a great team. Love you to the moon and back @jaredpadalecki!" she wrote.

Padalecki plays Sam Winchester on Supernatural, which will return on The CW for a 13th season in October. Variety reported last week that the network is planning a Supernatural spinoff titled Wayward Sisters.