Dear Future Daughter,
My, how you’ve changed my life. Our first encounter is met with cries of trepidation and tears as your little lungs breath in oxygen for the first time, but don’t be frightened because your daddy is right here with you. I am here for your first steps as you struggle to balance yourself upright, all the while attempting to strategically place one foot in front of the other–such a daunting task–but if you were to fall, I am here to catch you. Later you attempt your first words, bravely and confidently you will find a specific and decisive sound from somewhere deep within you, I am here to listen. The years seemingly fly by as time appears to be accelerating since our first encounter with one another. This is a big step for you as it will be the first full day where we have been separated from one another since your glorious arrival in my life. Today is your first day of school. Nervous and excited, you inquire about any topic closely related to the education system, but fear not because even though we may be separated, I am still with you wherever you go. I will be waiting patiently outside of school for you as soon as the last bell rings, eager to hear about the experience you just had.
I want you to know that you are the single most important thing in my life. Before I met you, I loved you. You represent the best parts of myself. The truth, strength, intelligence, beauty and determination you embody is unsurpassed. In everything I have done, in everything I have accomplished, nothing may hold a candle to what I have achieved in bringing you into this world. You are a gift that continues to give in each moment and with each experience. My gratitude to the heavens is exuberant every time I see your beautiful smile. I have seen the gates of heaven in your eyes. I have heard the voices of angels every time you speak. Your pure existence gives me hope for miracles. Even though we have not officially met, even though I am not even in the planning stages of your life, even though you are but a thought, I want you to know that I will always be here for you. Even though I cannot hug you, even though I cannot kiss you, even though I cannot hold you in my arms until you fall asleep, know that you are loved.
Be patient for our first meeting, I still have to figure out what your name will be! I still have to figure out how to decorate your room. I still have to figure out where the best place for you to grow up will be. I still have to figure out how to deal with the boys! (ugh) There are a number of things I must resolve before you get here, so give me some time, I’m just as excited as you, though. While I have you here, promise me that your teenage years will bring us closer together rather than separate us. I know personally those years will be hard as everything is changing both emotionally and physically, but I want to be right there with you through everything. I want us to be best friends. I’m a cool dad! I’m hip! I’m with it!
In closing, I want you to know that you motivate me. I want you to have the opportunities that maybe I didn’t have. So my success is in part due to you, so give yourself a pat on the back. Look at you, already making a difference in the world! That’s my daughter for you! I love you and I will see you when I see you!
Sincerely,
Dad
P.S. Boys have a contagious, life-threatening disease that may kill you if you come into contact with one of them, so stay clear of them at all costs. If you see one, run home as fast as you can.
