You Are The Sweetest Thing Ever
I always knew I would love having a daughter, but I never imagined just how lovely it would feel. (Letters to my daughter)
Dear daughter,
I am writing to tell you that you warm my hardened heart with every breath you take. You are four, and having you around is now the best ever. It was always a pleasure, mind you, though slightly more demanding.
We've recently overcome a period of slight health issues, and all I'll say about that is that things are much easier since you've gotten your vomiting targeting down to hit the bucket instead of, well, everywhere else. Silver linings and whatnot.
There is only so much love a man can take, and you're pushing those limits daily. You don't know love until you love your child, and you don't know love until you receive their love back. Romance is great, but it doesn't come close.
I am privileged and honored to be on the receiving end of your love, dear one. Regardless of what time may bring, it shall sustain me until the day I die.
The first thing you do when you wake up is cuddle in bed with me. What a lovely way to start the day, my darling. I could get up first, but I'd rather wait and enjoy those precious moments before the day starts. It is a rare privilege, I would imagine.
During the day, you constantly remind me of how much you love me. We've even entered the "I love you a million times and more" phase, and I am cherishing every moment, for I know that sooner or later, you will be saying these words to someone else - as you should.
You never leave the apartment without a kiss and a hug, and when I come home, it warms my heart to receive your loving welcome. It's not great to be away, but it is nice to be missed.
The first thing you say when I pick you up from kindergarten is, "Daddy, I love you so much!" and proceed to show me your artwork of the day. You're getting good at drawing, my darling. Daddy's proud, and, “I love you, too!”
Before you go to bed, it's (table) game time, some chasing around the living room, and then whichever version of your bedtime process you happen to be on. You're nothing if not meticulous in your routines. But you never go to sleep without a kiss and a hug and the sweet symphony of "I love you, Daddy!"
I don't know how much we will remember of this time, you and I, so I wanted to commemorate the sweetness of this four-year-old version of you. I figure I have a few more years of this heaven before your hormones kick in and you become an emotional whirlpooling teenager.
I cherish these moments as if they were my last, and I'm already preparing for the next phase, in which I won't be the focus of your love—again, as it should be.
Hopefully, I will have shown you how a good man treats his princess (daughter) and his queen (mom) so that you will know to expect and demand only the best from boys and men throughout your life.
Never settle for less, my darling! You deserve only the best and all the love in this world.
Thank you for everything. Love, Dad.
If you liked this letter, you might enjoy others, as well. Feel free to browse the “Dear Daughter” section. I write these letters to my daughter and all the daughters of the world-