Dear Daddy,

This is just a quick note to tell you that not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. The last time I wrote a letter to you was the one I read at your funeral in tears and sadness. This letter today is to celebrate the man that you are to me. It is a letter of healing and encouragement to others who have also lost a father. Daddy, I appreciate every hug, night time kiss and psalms you taught me to read. I appreciate the days you made ice-cream on Sundays for us from scratch. Thank you for being the super man you were and still are in my life. I was blessed to have you for 21 years and I am blessed to feel your spirit in me up until this day. Your hardwork,  business ethic, sense of self pride, importance of family are all values I hold very close to my heart which were passed down from you. Today is special because for the first time I am able to write to you without feeling so much heaviness in my heart. The past few years losing you have been painful. From graduations to many other special moments, I needed you to cheer me and not having you there physically has been very challenging at times. What I began to realize and learned was that you are always here with me in spirit; you come to me in my dreams, and I feel your constant spirit of guidance around. I miss you, but I always know you are around and live within me. Your psalms you taught me are still dear to my heart; your words of wisdom I always hear.

For those who may have recently lost a father or a father figure I want to reassure you that time does in fact heal.  The pain lessens because you begin to understand that there are certain attributes of your father you will carry with you forever. You will begin to realize that, though they are gone as physical beings, their spirit is more powerful than ever and will always protect and guide you. I urge you to do something in remembrance of your father each Father’s Day or any day you designate to do something to mourn your loss. Someone once said, the best way to mourn someone close to you is to do something in tribute to their name. Today, my attempt to send words of encouragement to you wherever you are, that you will know that things will get better.  Take time to reflect on the good memories, cry, pray and realize he is right next to you. For those of you who may not have the best relationships with your fathers and have the means to rectify this I urge you to do so. There is no one that can replace a father once he is gone physically from this earth. For those with fathers alive, cherish them; they are one-of-a-kind.

Today, Dad, is a special day because I wanted to say, “Happy Father’s Day” wherever you are,.I miss you, I love you and look forward to speaking to you again soon in my dreams.

Your daughter,