Letter to my dad
My dear dad,
I don't know where to start, because there are some feelings that cannot be defined in words. There is love that doesn't need a voice, that is understood with just a look, with a hug, with a small memory that remains forever in the heart. One of them is my love for you.
When I think about my childhood, I always see you there, like a beautiful protective shadow that followed me everywhere. You were the strength that made me feel safe even when the world seemed big and scary. You were the one who held my hand when I was afraid, who lifted me up when it seemed like I couldn't reach it. And even today, when I'm grown up and live other days, your hand is still there in my heart, giving me strength without even saying a word.
You have taught me how to be a strong person, but also a good one. You have taught me not to give up, not to hurt others, to never forget who I am. You have taught me that respect is not earned with a loud voice, but with a pure heart. And that the truest love is not the one shown with words, but the one felt in silence like yours.
I remember the nights when you stayed awake just so I wouldn't feel alone. I remember the days when you worked non-stop, just so I wouldn't miss anything. I didn't realize then how much fatigue you hid behind that gentle smile. Now that I'm older, I feel in my soul the weight of every sacrifice you made for me. And sometimes, I feel guilty that I didn't know how to tell you more often: thank you, dad.
Thank you for always being patient, even when I didn't deserve it.
Thank you for loving me even when I wasn't perfect.
Thank you for never stopping believing in me.
There are many people in the world who talk about heroes, but I know that my hero does not have a cape. He is simply called Dad. And he is the man who built my world with his hands, with his gentle words, with a heart that only knows how to give.
Whenever life tires me, all I have to do is remember your eyes, those eyes that have looked at me with pure love since I came into this world. It seems to me that every time you look at me, you say: “You will be fine, my daughter.” And I really am. Because I have you.
I wish I knew how to repay all the love you've given me, but there's no way I can equal it. Maybe the only way is to be a good person like you. To be fair, honest, strong, and gentle in spirit. And every time I achieve something, I want you to know that I achieved it because you taught me not to give up.
Dad, I am and will always be "your little girl", the one you hold in your hand and show the world to. Sometimes it may seem like I've grown up, but for you and for my heart I will always remain that girl who seeks refuge in your chest, who feels safe only when she hears your voice.
I love you more than I can describe.
I love you for everything you are, for everything you've done, and for everything you didn't tell me, but that I felt.
I love you because without you, I wouldn't be who I am today.
With all the love a heart can hold,
Your oyster.
- Written for Anabel by an anonymous woman, for the “Untold Stories” column – the haven where we recount those moments when the heart wants to speak, whether about the good or the difficult, about the deepest feelings that we don't want to keep inside. If you too would like to share your story, write to us at [email protected] .
