I Will Always Love You

Dear Daughter,

You hear me say ‘I love you’ every day. The fact I love you is the one truth I could not be more certain of in my life. It’s the most real thing I know.

What does love mean? I don’t know what it means for anyone else but I know what my love for you means. It means that regardless of your actions or your words or your mood or your accomplishments or your disappointments or how you feel about me, I will always put you ahead of me. My love for you means I will do everything in my power to ensure your happiness, your success, your survival, and I will put those things for you ahead of anything for myself.

If it were so simple I would surrender my happiness, my well being, even my very own life, in exchange for you to have a full, long-lasting life free of pain, suffering, and illness. Alas, life is never so simple. It is difficult and it will test you. But those struggles will make you stronger. While I can’t shield you from all the turmoils of life, I promise you I will always be there to support you when you need it. I’ll always be there with a shoulder for you to rest or cry on, an ear to listen, or a voice telling you what you need to hear.

Sometimes it may not feel like my actions are those of love. Always remember I put your best interests and well being above all else. I believe I can be both your father and your friend. My love for you in both regards reinforce one another. I will never betray your trust in me. Your happiness is my happiness. I am proud of who you already are and who you will become.

I will always love you. Now and forever.

-Your Father