open letter from a father to his daughter

My little girl,

In our house, in one of the numerous boxes kept in the cupboard’s secret compartment, there is a photo album. It has all the photos of you and I that were taken during the first year of your life. They are some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. There is one photo in that album that is in my memory, fresh as the day it was taken; you were so small, fitting in the space between my palm and my elbow. There you were, my little baby girl, sleeping in my arms and you let out a yawn, your mouth barely opening. It is till date the cutest sight I have ever seen.

You have come a long way from there. Growing up (a little too soon, if you ask me), you are becoming more and more like your mother – a strong, confident, independent and beautiful young lady. I know that is a very cliched thing to say, but it’s true. You are the apple of my eye.

Anything you want, you name it, I will do everything I can to make sure you have it.

You are going to turn 20 years old this year and I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what to give you. I realised that the only thing I have not gifted you yet is some foresight. So get ready kiddo, you’ve got some wise words coming your way.

I’m going to start you off with something you’ve probably heard everyone tell you, which is don’t forget who you are! I remember when you were younger, you always questioned that statement. You would ask with the most quizzical look on your face “How could I ever be anyone else?”, I don’t know if anyone ever answered your question, but I want to tell you today, the person you are, deep inside, where you keep your thoughts and beliefs, where you keep your opinions and secrets, don’t let anyone ever get to that person! That is the true you, the good, pure, understanding and kind, you. The person I sometimes see you hide to fit into the crowd. Don’t let anyone change that part of you for their benefit.   

Next, I want you to learn to embrace life. I mean it. I made this mistake when I  was younger. I would always hold a negative mindset towards the hardships in my life. Though, when I look back now, I realise that that was silly of me. I know these things are easier said than done, but I want you to try as hard as you can to embrace whatever life throws at you. Deal with everything you get with a smile. Opportunities always await you, dear. You just have to be open to them.

And lastly, I want you to keep learning. No matter what, never think that you have learnt enough. Learn from me, learn from mom, learn from the boy/girl sitting across the table from you, learn from nature, just don’t stop learning. Everyone you meet and everything you see helps you move ahead in your life. They all teach you something that you might one day pass on to your own child.

These past 20 years have been the most amazing years of my life and it’s all because of you. My beautiful daughter, I Love You.

Love,

Dad

P.S. – You will alway be my little girl no matter how old you are.