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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Love (04/27/06)
Dear Daughter,

Tomorrow you will marry the man that your mother and I have prayed for since the day you were placed kicking and screaming into our arms.

For two painful years, we watched our hope alternately peak and die as our dreams to have a child were always just beyond our reach. After countless tests and tears, we gripped hands as our doctor recommended we go home, relax and buy a dog.

Panda, our first pet, was the best investment we ever made. Months later, we joyfully announced to the world that you would soon arrive.

I never fully understood the depths of love a father could have for someone they never knew until I met you. Suddenly, there was this tiny being begging me each morning from her crib to show her the world.

I hope I did that for you.

As I searched my heart to share just the right words with you on this special day, memories of past vacations came to mind first. Water logged tents and rocks cutting into our backs reminded me that the times we shared on family trips were not merely about hotdogs over the fire or who could ride the steepest roller coasters. They were special God given moments allowing us to grow our love as father and daughter.

I still smile when I remember the times you sat at your makeshift desk in my office filling my hours with your tiny chatter. Piles of paper and pens disappeared into the deep abyss of your cubbyholes carefully marked with colorful markers. I was certain you would someday own an office supply store.

My love grew by leaps when you picked up a spare hammer and attempted to secure the studs with me as I was building the hall closet. Years later, when I offered to pay you to clean up shingles on a job with me, I still laugh over your comment that ‘there has to be a better way to make a living’.

Like every child, there were moments when my love was firmly tested. You and I both know that I was never happy to have to mete out your much deserved punishments. I thought it was hardly fare that the father’s job meant I had to discipline you and keep a straight face at the same time.

The day my love and joy as your father reached new heights was the day you finally accepted Jesus as your Savior just as He is mine. How could I have ever known that having the assurance of your salvation would deliver me more comfort that anything else this world could offer? I love knowing that someday we will spend eternity together, not just these past twenty two years.

Tomorrow, my daughter, as we make our way down the aisle, our arms will be entwined just as our lives have been. Years of worrying about your whereabouts, wondering if you are happy and wishing that I had more time to spend with you are difficult habits to break. Letting go at the end of that walk is only possible because I know that I am giving you to someone who loves you as much as I do. Knowing that your heart will be cared for and loved is a father’s greatest hope.

I’m thankful today that my hope is secure.


May God Bless You,

Your Dad
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This article has been read 1613 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joe Moreland
05/05/06
As a father of three girls, two of whom are teens, I found this an incredibly moving piece. One day soon this will be me, and I hope I have the courage shown in this piece. Somehow, I feel I will probably be more likely to make death threats to my future son-in-law than anything else, but time will tell.

I loved the piece, though, and could tell it came straight from your heart. I'm told there's no better place to write from.
Jessica Schmit
05/06/06
This was beautiful. This story reminded me of my own father. I was married a few years ago and you also wrote me a letter. This was very touching and was written quite well. Good job!
Sherril Wendling
05/06/06
Well done! And touching. So many young women yearn for such a dad. Your beginning paragraphs were especially strong. A bit of rewriting for consistency of voice throughout will make this beautiful letter really shine!
Marilyn Schnepp 
05/06/06
A beautiful farewell and a lovely story. I liked it. Only one thing, "fair" instead of fare...otherwise well done!
Pat Guy
05/07/06
I wanted to just keep on reading! This is perfectly beautiful. Top notch writting that touches the heart. Again - just beautiful!
Helen Paynter
05/08/06
Yes, a beautiful ,affectionate piece of writing