Letters To My Daughter by Dear Dad
For over two decades I've enjoyed the most fantastic relationship with my little girl. Nothing but pure joy to Her mother and I, it was inconceivable when in a matter of weeks "what we had feared" came rushing upon us. While still close, our hearts break a dozen times a day over her abrupt change in behavior and lifestyle. Often engulfed in grief and fear, we continue to pray and trust that what sin means for evil God will turn to good.
After thousands of hours of relationship and training throughout my daughters lifetime, and many conversations concerning her recent decisions, I've found writing a helpful and hopeful release. The following represent the whole or parts of letters I written. Some I've sent, some not. All are from a heartbroken dad scanning the horizon for his daughter to come to her senses and come home...
Dropping By by Dear Dad
Dear Daughter,
Thanks for dropping by last night to celebrate your mom's 49th birthday. With all that's going on in our lives I thought it best to text you a reminder. You texted me right back to set up a time to come over after work and class with a card and a invitation for a manicure and pedicure along with lunch and a matinee. A day of pampering and time together is just what she wanted.
You can hardly blame her. For twenty years we had you all to ourselves. A privilege we didn't take for granted. You were too precious and we anticipated this day coming, though not in the way it came. Like all parents we were busy and had our share of problems, still we enjoyed being together during good times and bad. As you're discovering, adult life can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Sometimes even more so. When a couple becomes a family, the kids change the dynamics forever. It's definitely double the trouble but if you're lucky like we were, it's triple the fun.
We had great times back then but that's not whatI miss the most. It's the daily moments. Sleepy kids waking up grumpy. A quick breakfast with a side of kisses and hugs. Some school, some play and talking about your day. Hours snuggling around the TV watching movies and laughing at or favorite comedies.
Compared with today, every day was like a birthday. Now it's a special occasion to see much of you. Your busy with work, college and a relationship we can't condone much less celebrate. We expected you'd make your way in the world, but we hoped you wouldn't make so hard on yourself. And on those who've always loved you most.
We didn't discuss that last night. You've requested a relationship advice de taunt. You're betting time will heal the pain between us. That sooner or later we'll approve of your adult choices of who to live with and how. That we'll see our fears and tears. prayers and pleadings were old fashion overreactions. But we know by experience the opposite is true. Millions of broken hearts and lives pave the road your on. Every one testify's to what we spent twenty years teaching you, that we all reap what we sow, even if it takes a little time to do so.
But for the moment we're in the calm before the storm. You're biggest problems seem to be fitting work, school and sometimes us into your schedule. You bounce back and forth while we brace ourselves for the inevitable. You're keeping your fingers crossed, hoping for the best while we pray you'll come to your senses before the downpour of trouble that's coming becomes a hurricane.
In the mean time I'm thankful for our moments together. Thankful for the sound of your voice in my ears and to drink you in with my eyes. Thankful to have you home again if only to watch you leave through tears. Thankful that you hugged us seven times last night. Thankful you lingering longer than usual and seemed reluctant to leave. Thankful things aren't worse than they are, at least not yet.
God knows what's coming but I know what's been and I'm thankful for all the time we've spent and spend with you.
We miss and love you so.
Always, Dad
Should you be interesting in submitting your own letter for consideration please contact Paying Parents at Rob@PrayingParents.org by calling (559) 305-2229.