My dearest daughter,

I know your heart is broken.
As the last words spoken between us
echo in your mind,
please know I’m not blind to your tears.

I can imagine your fears
of facing the challenges of tomorrows
without being able to pick up the phone and call me.

But as Jesus told his best friends
the night before He died,
“Don’t let your heart be troubled!
Don’t be afraid.”

This One in whose presence I now find joy
will never leave you or forsake you.
He will comfort you as only He can.
He will carry you when you are too weak to stand.
He will fill your heart with memories we made.
In the heat of death valley, He will be your shade.

Please know that the time and space between us

is only a temporary separation.
The gulf of grief will be spanned by grace.
It won’t be long until you see my face again.
Remember, a family reunion awaits.

In the meantime,
care for your mom.
Lean into your sorrow.
Embrace the ache.
Speak my name.
Look at my pictures.
Forgive my mistakes.
Honor my memory by the choices you make.

And each morning when you wake,
thank the Lord He placed us in the same family.
He graced us with the privilege of being father and daughter.
Be grateful He gave us each other
for the years that we shared on earth
(and the time we will have in Heaven).

Never forget how much I love you
and how proud I am to be your dad.
See you soon!

Dad