Thanks for the reviews. Here is a chapter for Lydia. Hope you enjoy.
Dear Lydia - Age 6
I know that you were 16 months old when I left and Jamie started getting letters almost immediately, but I figured that you wouldn't be able to read properly until about now. I know you won't understand why I left and you are too young to know right now, but I promise I will tell you one day. I want to apologize for leaving you. I never wanted to, so I am sorry baby girl.
Happy birthday princess. I hope you got the bike (or one similar, considering it has been 4 ½ years since I left) that I begged your Mom to get for your 6th birthday. I can't believe that you are 6 already. You will be starting 1st grade this year. I hope you enjoy yourself, kid. I'm sorry I can't be there for your first day, in person, but I will be watching over you princess.
I love you.
Daddy.
Dear Lydia– Age 7
Happy birthday princess. So, you are a big 7 now. It will have been 5 ½ years since I left. Can you remember me? Do you remember how I would hold you up high and you would open your arms out as though you were flying? Do you remember when I tucked you in in your crib after reading you a bedtime story? Do you remember when I took you for a horse riding lesson, but they told us you were too young? You probably don't, but there are pictures and home videos with all of the moments that we shared together. Talking about horses, when you have read this go and ask your Mom to take you to pick out your horse. Yes, that's right, you are going to get your own horse. You always loved to play with your little horse figures. I have to go in a minute, but before I do, do you remember how we used to dance? I would hold you in my arms and we would just dance. Then when you started walking, you would stand on my feet and we would dance around the room. Well, before I left Jamie made me a promise, that he would dance with you, for me. I hope he kept his promise. He is a good boy so I'm sure he would have. Anyway, I have to go now. Until next year, sweetheart. I love you.
Daddy.
Dear Lydia – Age 8
Hi, sweetie. How are you doing? I know that it must be hard to grow up without a father, but please stay strong. I know I left when you were 16 months old, but I know how strong you are. When you were just hours old I gave you my finger to hold and your tiny hand grasped my finger so tight. In that moment I just wanted to hold you forever. I only got you for 16 months. You only had me for 16 short months. I am so sorry for leaving you. When your Mom and I found out we were having a girl, I cried. I always wanted a daughter. I am a proud father of two amazing children, I couldn't have asked for better. I know that I am not there for all the big, important stuff, but I will be watching over you. Always. Go and listen to 'My wish' by Rascal Flatts. This song explains everything that I want for you and Jamie. Give your Mama a kiss from me. Happy Birthday.
Love Daddy.
Dear Lydia – Age 9
Happy 9th birthday. I hope you get everything you wished for, baby. How are you, Jamie and your Mom doing? I hope y'all are happy. That's all I want for the three of you. I asked Jamie to look after you, to protect you, but I need you to look after him too. Even if it is just giving him a hug and telling him that you love him. Same with your Mom, tell her everyday that you love her.
It's hard to believe that my little girl is 9 already. Time flies by so fast. I hope you remember me, but if you don't, then you have pictures and home videos. I asked Jamie to tell you about me. I also asked him to teach you how to play basketball, only if you want to of course. Basketball was my first love until I met your Mom. Your Mom and I got married when we were 16. I know that we were young, but we were in love. Jamie came along over a year later and it was tough, but we were happy. When you came along our family was complete, We had each other, a son and a daughter. Life was amazing. Then when you were 13 months old, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. I tried so hard, baby. I did all the treatment that I could handle, but it was too late. I was already too sick. I wanted to stay, I did but caner doesn't care for no one. I believe that everything happen for a reason and sometimes we find the reason out and sometimes we don't. In this case, I can't figure out a reason whatsoever. What kind of reason could there be for leaving you and Jamie without a father and your Mom without a husband. Your Mom has been through a lot, so have you and Jamie. Y'all have to stick together. Nothing is more important than family and nothing is bigger than love.
I love you.
Dad.
Dear Lydia – Age 10
Happy birthday. So, you have reached the big one – zero, double digits. I wish I could be there. Make a wish! I hope it comes true.
This will be the last letter for a while. There is one more, but I don't want you to be waiting for it. I want you to move on. You, Jamie and your Mom have to accept that I am not coming home. Move on as a family.
Before I go, I want you to know that life is hard, it is worth it in the end. Maybe one day you will fall in love and have a child of your own, someday. Remember that you are not allowed a boyfriend until you are 30! No, I am kidding. Enjoy yourself, kid. Okay, no boyfriends until you are at least 16. Don't try to grow up too fast, baby. Remember that everyone makes mistakes. Remember that everyone has flaws, but everyone is beautiful in their own way. Don't listen to society. I think you are beautiful.
Focus on your studies, school is important. High school is tough at times, but you can make it.
Remember that time flies by. Savor the moments. Live for today and not tomorrow.
I love you. Always.
Dad.
Dear Lydia – Age 16
Happy sweet 16th, baby girl. I know that I haven't written to you in 6 years. So, I hope this doesn't hold you back and I hope that you haven't been waiting around for this letter. How have you been for the past 6 years? I hope you are enjoying school. You only have 2 years left. I hope you find love. Your Mom and I fell in love when we were only 16. I hope you fall in love with someone who loves you as much as I love your Mom.
This will be the last letter. As you are reading these last words from me, put on 'My wish' by Rascal Flatts - I want all of this for you. I want you to be happy. I know that I am not there in person, but I am in your heart and I am watching over you, princess.
My sweet baby girl, I love you! I will always love you. It's time to let go. Move on sweetheart. Keep smiling. Always help people. Forgive. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. I hope you dance, keep dancing princess. I will see you on the other side. I am saving a dance for you. Goodbye.
Love Daddy.
Please review. Do you want a chapter for Haley? xo