This is really something we all need to take to heart!
Many of us are blessed with the love we receive from our parents. I mean, it is only one of the biggest things anyone will unconditionally give us no price in this world can be named to replace it. So imagine the very much heartfelt open letter a daughter wrote for her dad who has down syndrome. It got the internet in tears!
The post written by Richie which garnered over 64k shares starts off saying:
“Dear, Dad. Today marks a very special and very miraculous moment of your life. You turn 50 today and I am so blessed that you continue to live such a long and beautiful life. Doctors are still amazed by it! I know you won’t be able to read this because I don’t know if you have Facebook, but I want the whole world to know how proud I am that you are my dad. I want the whole world to know how beautiful you are inside and out.”
She admitted that growing up was not easy because she would always be picked on and bullied in school as the kids called her dad ‘different’.
“As a kid I didn’t see you as different, I saw you as my dad. I didn’t understand why they were making fun of me and calling me abnormal.”
Source: Facebook
“I understood this later on and it made me a coward. But you deserve more than the coward daughter that I am. You deserve love, understanding, patience and acceptance as any individual with Down Syndrome should. Here I am composing a birthday greeting to you because I’ve never done such a thing. You deserve so much more.”
Braving through so many medical procedures, Richie said that her dad is the strongest and bravest human being she has ever known. With all the surgeries he’s undergone and having spent countless nights in the hospital, he still manages a smile on his face.
“For almost all your life, you have allowed doctors to insert needles in you, surgeries here and there, a lifetime doing dialysis and a long list of limitations. But you seldom complain.”
Source: Facebook
On some days, Richie couldn’t help but cry because of all the things her dad has to go through.
“I have seen you at your worst, when you would break down and say that you are tired. Hearing those words “Kapoy na. (I’m tired)” or “Sakit kaayo. (It really hurts)” made me cry for days and I couldn’t bear going back to the hospital anymore. I have seen you cry because your knee would hurt cause of the fluid. I can’t feel your pain but how I wish I could take your place so you wouldn’t have to feel any pain anymore.”
Feeling remorseful for not being able to be more available to her dad, she says,
“Dad, no amount of words can sum up to how sorry I am for being an absent daughter. I’m sorry for not bringing you to the beach more often or I don’t bring you your favorite dimsum food or I don’t visit you more often than I should. If there is one thing I regret, it is hiding you from my life because I’m still the same little kid who was afraid of getting bullied. But I love you more than you could ever know, Dad and I am inspired by you always.
“Everyone adores you and you know that. You could always put a smile and a laugh on everyone’s faces. You annoy people a lot too but we love you anyways. I understand that you have good days and bad days. You can be mean at times and you push everyone away, including me. But that’s just you and it’s okay. It’s okay to be different.
Source: Facebook
She ends her post wishing her dad a happy birthday and saying how she’s now as brave and strong because of him. Awww! </3
“I could go on and on talking about you but it would be too long. Happy 50th birthday, Daddy! Thanks for always calling me your one and only baby girl because I always will be. I am strong and brave because of you and I love you so much, dad. I think I’m big enough now to defend myself from the bullies. Lots of love, your daughter.”
Every family is different, but it doesn’t matter where you come from – the love of a parent knows no bounds. Remember to show a little more effort and love back to them, and cherish the moments together as much as you possible can!
Also read: M’sian Writes Heartfelt Post to Friend Who Passed Away from Overworking
