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...
Happier Times by Dear Dad
Dear Daughter,
Good morning. It’s 5:30 am, a sliver of moon is overhead and the sun is just threatening to rise. Up for a couple of hours I’ve already watered the lawn (and broke a sprinkler main), biked and prayed in the cool of the morning or what passes for it during dozens of sweltering summer days that will reach well over a hundred degrees.
As you know, your mom and I miss you terribly. Yesterday you mentioned how busy you are and with school and other things coming up that’s not likely to change for some time. Of course our feelings over your absence are amplified given our concern over your situation. Having discussed your recent choices numerous times I understand you’re feelings get hurt when we bring it up.
So since we hardly see or talk to each other I thought I’d write. Maybe relive a happy memory or two. As you might imagine we’ve been thinking about you a lot. In fact, constantly would hardly be an overstatement. Without question you’re the first thing on our minds when we wake and the last before we sleep, often making appearances even in our dreams. Not having you here we’re left with our memories of the past and thoughts of the future.
I’ve been remembering some of the great times we’ve had together. During the Fourth of July I thought about how much I enjoyed taking you and the family to Wild Waters for a day of water slides, Blue Wave pool and fire works. As I recall your season pass was the first card you had with your picture on it. As a family, with your friends or just the two of us we had some good times there.
Having graduated from Black Beards, were for years you’d only ride on my lap, you eventually conquered most of the big rides though you were a little skittish about the Black Hole and I don’t think you dared the three story Rampage, which I only dared once myself.
During your birthday week I was remembering our trip to Santa Cruz and Cayucos. You wanted to go alone with your girl friends but I talked you into letting me be your chauffeur to keep you safe. I remember the car rides and restaurants, hotel and swimming pool. On the Board Walk we got that great picture of you and your best friend being swallowed by the Great White and later you girls were freaked out by the little haunted house ride and a fried twinkie.
It was great doing the same thing in San Francisco. So much to see with the park and waterfront. You girls had fun shopping and visiting the art museums, getting caricatures in pastels and picking out trinkets. The three of you got soaked on the boat ride but walked it off crossing the Golden Gate. It was cool hanging out at Pier 31 and taking a bus to poke around China Town at night. Glad we got lots of pictures and video though they hardly do you justice.
Just thought you’d like to know how much I cherish the memories of those sweet and simple times.
Love and miss you,
Dad
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