This is a post from last year, but one I thought worthy of posting again. So many of
you left comments, and sent emails, letting me know that this letter touched you in
many ways.
I have read this letter many times over the last year and it has helped me realize
what is important in life.
I am happy to say I have kept my promise.
Originally Posted 1/13
Source Unknown
Letter from a Father to a Daughter:
“My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you… my darling daughter. ”
Source Unknown
nothing compared to those my dad made for me.Dad, I wonder when I was a teenager if you made the same promise to
to be patient with me. Lord knows, I tested your patience every chance I got!
My life is filled with many blessings. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement
and support throughout 2012.
xoxo,
Sherry
Thank you so much for posting this Sherry. I am sitting here with my eyes flooded with tears as I think of my own dad. He has vascular dementia and it is sometimes a very difficult thing to make sure I have patience with him. It is easy to forget that we were once little and needed our dad to hold our hands so we didn't fall down or to help ground our lives as we moved through the teen years and young adulthood. Yes this struck a cord and I will keep it and read it whenever I begin to realize I need some reminding that I must be patient and more understanding with both of my parents. Thank you again for posting and may God Bless you and your family in this new year.
XO Barbara
Sherry, thanks for reposting this. I wish I had seen it before I started caring for my Mother. Would it be OK if I shared the letter on Facebook? I am sure there are alot of people it would touch. XO
Sherry, I have walked this difficult path and they are now gone. My mother had dementia and my dad was in poor health the last 5 years of his life. They died within 6 months of each others. This is sooo true. Thanks for posting again.
Bonnie
Great letter Sherry! So hard for us to remember the common courtesies at any age and this is a sweet way to remind ourselves to slow down.
I enjoyed this post the second time just as much as I did the first time.
Traci
I lost both my parents in 2013. Within 7wks of each other. Oh how I miss them. Thanks for sharing this with us all.
When I was helping to care for my Daddy, I thought about the sacrifices he had made for me. It was an honor to help care for him. I don't regret any sacrifice that I made to help one that had loved and cared for me! Following you after reading this post!
So lovely…I spend as much time as work permits with my 91 year old father who still drives, reads, cooks and attempts to be tech savvy…thank you for posting this I am reposting on facebook!
Thanks for posting this letter again…It is such a beautiful letter that we can all relate to…My dad passed away 20 years ago and my mom is doing very well for 88..we children would go to the ends of the earth for our mom..You feel so blessed to have him as your dad and he surely is blessed to have you.
Thanks for sharing this letter, Sherry! It reminded me to be patient. My parents are no longer with me, but this should be practiced with all our elders.
So touching, thank you for sharing this again :o)
Happy New Year!
~Des
This letter is so touching Sherry, thanks for sharing it. It gives me pause, even though my parents are both with me-and thank the Lord–healthy, I know the importance of being grateful, because we're all getting older. Good health is such a blessing and I wish it for you, your dear father and your entire family in 2014. Happy belated New Years my friend!
xo
Leslie