Happy Father's Day to MY Dad

Dear Dad,

Oh, how I wish I could rewind time. Back to when things were easy and peaceful. Or even just back far enough to do things differently than they were done last summer. This has been a really difficult year for us. Even though I see you, it's not enough and I feel like a piece of my life is missing. I hope you know that, although circumstances have made our relationship more challenging, I still love you so very much! I'm not going to lose you. And I know you feel the same.

I have so many happy memories with you in my childhood and adult life.
You have raised me to be strong, to have self-confidence and to know that I can always come to you. You have always made sure to tell me that you are proud of me and to support the goals I have set for myself.
And on my wedding day when you "gave me away", I know we both felt confident that I was moving forward into a safe and loving and happy future. I know you've always wanted the best for me and you loved my future husband and his family.

I just couldn't have imagined our family would suffer from a rift like this. I thought we were better than that. I thought Craig and I were better than that! But I guess it's never a good idea to think you are above something... to think you are immune to the challenges of life.

I just want you to know that I believe we will overcome this and that I still draw strength from the bond that we have. You are my daddy and I will never let go of my love for you.

Happy Father's Day, dad.

I love you and always will.

Let's pray for a better year, okay?

Love, A-Rae