A Letter To My Daughters
To my daughters, in less than two months, you will both be students in college. Both of you have your directions that you are going in. Both of you have an inclination of what you want to do once you have earned your degrees. But know this, I have done all that I can, from the times that you were placed into my arms, through elementary school, middle school, and high school, to prepare you for this next part of your life.
I wanted to give you as much as I was able, definitely more than I had been given. And though our journey as a family did not follow as planned, I am hoping that the lives we shared with each other, provided you both with the foundations and experiences, to not only get through college, but in each of your lives.
I am going to put aside all of the childhood and family memories that I have of us because they will always be there for me. But now, as this first part of your life has been completed, I want to focus as I watch you both, become the women you were meant to be. The decisions you make are now your own. I am simply here, with words should you need advice. The experiences you have, are yours.
As you continue to grow, and yes, that means get older (I told you to stay kids as long as you could), keep these words in mind.
Whenever you need, I am just a phone call away. And when I do get calls from you, it will bring me such joy. Whether it is just to say “hi” or “I love you and miss you,” or simply, “I need you,” I will likely reply with “miss you more”, “love you more,” “need you more.” In fact, a billion times more.
Believe in yourselves. I know that I believe in both of you. No matter what obstacles get thrown in front of you, know that I will be there, and I will always support you both no matter how far apart we may be. You will always succeed as long as you keep trying. You used to say that I needed to let you “fall” so that you could learn how to pick yourselves up. And now, it is up to you to find your own way. Yes, my heart will be sad if or when this happens, in silence with any struggle you face, but the sadness will turn into pride when you overcome those moments. Just remember, you can only fail if you stop trying.
People tell me that you are both lucky to have me as a Father. I believe it is the other way around. You are both a miracle to me. The blessings and memories that you have given me so far, have given my life meaning. But I know that I cannot keep you as children forever. I am so excited for what is ahead for both of you. I have been as honest, loyal, and strong for you and with you as I can, whether in times of joy or sorrow. I wanted to be your role model not just for your character, reputation, and morals, but in how you expect to be treated by those you bring into your lives. Of all things I have done with you, it is those examples that I consider the most important thing for me to have taught you both.
Our visits with each other will be less for the next several years, but the moments that we are able to get together with each other, all together or with just either of you, I hope you will be as excited to see me as I am to see both of you. I will be anxious to hear all of the things you have done since I last saw you. I am no longer able to pick you up, hoist you upon my shoulders, but I will always be able to give you the biggest, and prepare for it, the longest hugs I can give both of you.
I know that I cannot promise to be there for the rest of your lives, but I can promise to be there for both of you, for the rest of my life. No matter what you go through, I will always love both of you, as I have always said, “to the moon and back.”
Paul's Heart 