So I started writing this about two months ago, but just got round to finishing it. Hope you enjoy it.
Dear Jamie – Age 10
Today you turn ten. Double digits. I was hoping to be there on your birthday, but if you're reading this then I'm already gone. I'm sorry I couldn't be there, buddy. I hope you got the new video game that you asked for. I hope you like your cake, I picked it. I hope you enjoy your party. Don't be sad because I'm not there. Enjoy yourself, kid.
I want you to know that I am so proud of you. You are my only son. I still remember when your Mom told me that we were going to have a son. It was during the state championship game. We won that day, but you already know.
Take care of Lydia for me, please. She's only a baby and didn't get to know me for long. I know that you will protect her, cause you are a great big brother. I love you buddy.
Daddy.
Dear Jamie – Age 11
Hi, son. I can't believe that you are eleven already. I still remember the day you were born. It was on my graduation day – the best day of my life. It will be a little over a year since I left, I hope you are doing okay. I know it will be hard, but I am always with you, son. I never wanted to leave you. Never. The cancer had already spread by the time I was diagnosed. I tried so hard, buddy. I did all the treatment that I was supposed to, but it was too late.
I'm not good at this writing thing, but I want you to know how much I love you. Stay strong Jamie.
Love Daddy.
Dear Jamie – Age 12
Well, it's that time of year again, son. Happy birthday. How is life treating you? I hope you are happy. That's all I want for you. Do you still like baseball? I hope so. When you're finished reading this ask your Mom for the ball. She'll know what ball you're talking about. Talking about your Mother, how is she doing? I know that you are getting older but I hope you still give her a goodnight kiss and tell her how much you love her, she needs it. You are the man of the house now. Please look after your Mother and Lydia. Lydia must be getting big by now. Tell her about me, son. I don't want her to forget me. I know that you didn't get long with me either, 9 years just isn't enough, I get that. But Lydia was only 16 months old when I left. She won't remember her time with me. Teach her how to play basketball. We don't want her to be as bad as your Mom. Don't tell your Mom I said that, though. Anyway I have to go just now Lydia needs her diaper changed. I love you, buddy.
Dad.
Dear Jamie – Age 13
Happy birthday. It's been three years now. I hope that it doesn't hurt any more. I know that I'm not there for all the big stuff, such as; Your fist shave, first real baseball game, first real girlfriend and even your graduation. I wish I could see you grow from a boy to a man. I want you to know that life can be hard sometimes, especially without a father, but you have to stay strong because it will get better. I made it through my tough times with the help and support from your Mom. She was my rock. I hope you find a girl who will support you and love you as much as your mother loved me. I also hope that when you do find the one that you will treasure every moment because you don't know when they could be ripped away from you. I hope that you will love someone as much as I love your Mom. I will always love your Mom. I know you will have had to grow up a lot in the past three years, so just take it easy, buddy. I love you.
Dad.
Dear Jamie – Age 14
This year will be a big year for you. You will start high school. Enjoy it. It will seem never-ending and so tough at times, but stick with the people who love you and focus hard on your studies. It will fly by. When you graduate you will be wondering where the time has gone.
I hope you are doing good, son. I hope that you get everything you ever wished for. I hope you find love.
Can you do me a favor? Keep telling Lydia all about me. Don't let her forget me, please. She's old enough to watch the home videos now. Show her the one where you made your first basket. You were two years old and sitting on my shoulders, but I was so proud of you. I am proud of you.
Happy birthday.
Love Dad.
Dear Jamie – Age 15
It's that time again. I hope you look forward to receiving these letters. Like I've said before, I'm not good at this writing thing. But I want you to know how much I love you and how much I didn't want to leave. Cancer is an awful thing. It doesn't care about anyone. Thankfully, the kind I had is not genetic. I can't help but cry as I am writing this. I am trying not to hate myself for leaving you, Lydia and your Mom, but it's hard. I'm your daddy, I am supposed to see you grow up. I am supposed to watch you graduate. I am supposed to see you marry the girl of your dreams. I know that I am not there in in person but I am watching over you, always. I love you.
Dad.
Dear Jamie – Age 16
Happy 16th birthday son. Wow. You are 16. I was 16 when I met your Mom. We were 16 when we got married. Then you came along a little while later. You are my greatest achievement. I couldn't have asked for a better son. I love you with all my heart. I remember when you took your first steps. You were so happy and so proud of yourself. I still remember your little laugh as you walked from me to your Mom. I remember when you first said 'Dadda' I must have been the happiest guy alive. Your Mama was just as happy, although I think the was wishing that you would have said Mama first. I remember your first day at school. Your little, smiley face as you turned to look at me, lit up my whole world. I could go on forever about all these amazing moments and milestones that I shared with you, but you are a man now and it is time to move on. Time to make new memories and maybe one day you will have a son or daughter of your own and you can make perfect memories together. Time goes by far too fast, so live in the moment and treasure it.
I have to go now, buddy. This will be the last letter. It's time to move on and you can't keep holding on to me this way. Have a good life and I will see you on the other side. I love you!
Daddy.
Please review. If I get enough reviews then I will write one for Lydia and one for Haley if you want? xo