BROKEN VOWS (Broken Redemption Book 1)

Chapter 4

Emilia

My sweetest Emilia,

If you're reading this letter, it means I've left this world before fulfilling my last promise to you. For that, my sweet girl, I'm sorry. Leaving you before finding him wasn't part of my plan.

Please know that I fought hard to stay for as long as I could. In the end, it must have been god's will for things to turn out this way. I know it's of no consolation to you right now, but I'm asking you to have a little faith. There's a plan at work here, one whose purpose will someday be revealed. If you believe nothing else in this letter, please believe that.

I know that with me gone and Lucas missing, you're probably feeling so very alone. That's why I'm writing this letter to you today. So that you know my last thoughts on this earth were of you, and to make you a promise that I hope will help. It's a heavenly vow of sorts, and one I intend to keep. So here it is Emilia. My pledge to you is that NEVER AGAIN will I leave you to walk this world alone.

From the moment my soul moves into the beyond, I vow I will be by your side. I will be there from the moment you wake, when you're sad, and when you're scared. I will walk with you as you achieve everything you dream of. And I'll be there to comfort you when life doesn't go as planned. To find me, all you have to do is look. I will be there in the birds and the trees. In the sky and in the breeze. I will be the butterfly that flutters by, and the lightning bug that lights your summer nights. I'll be in every sunset, in every sunrise, and in every moment that lights your heart. They will all be me, sweetheart, reminding you I'm still there to lift you up and make you smile.

While I don't know what the future holds, upon reaching the pearly gates, I will demand that someone fill me in. That way, I'll know the exact moments you'll need me most. So, I can be there in whatever form will bring you peace.

Unfortunately, as much as I'd love to protect you from life's painful lessons, they are essential to your journey. So, as you enter this new phase of life without your dad, please do so with an open mind and an open heart. Walk into the hard and face the darkness when it comes, for often the only way back to the light is through.

And while in the dark sweetheart, cry if you need, for tears are the tried-and-true way to cleanse away the pain. Do your best to be brave, but know it's okay to lean on others when you feel you can't go on. People who will build you up and remind you just how strong you are. Most of all, remember there's a purpose behind it all. The struggle will build you up and make you shine; brighter and brighter than the star you already are.

Lastly, my sweet Emilia, I vow I will keep my eye on him. I promise to help him find comfort in his sadness, and I'll remain close to him to ensure he's never alone again. Hopefully, with a lot of prayers (from you) and some heavenly magic (from me), we can get him to come home. But you know how stubborn he is, so until then pray and have faith that I'm taking care of things on my end.

Oh, and a piece of advice from a man who's made his fair share of mistakes and had to learn the hard way. When the big dummy does return, don't forgive him too quickly. Make him work for it, at least a little. So, he'll be forced to make amends, since by then it should be clear that living without you is not an easy feat. Trust me on this, my darling. It'll be hard, but if he stays and does the right things, you'll know he's ready, and that he's playing for keeps.

I'm afraid this is the end of my physical journey, my girl, but I'm excited to get started on my new spiritual adventure, which I'll undertake at your side. Thank you for the amazing opportunity of watching you grow up. Thank you for making me a father. And most of all, thank you for the unconditional love you gave me so freely. I love you so much Emilia, with all my heart, all my soul, and everything that I am. You're the best thing I've ever done. The greatest miracle I ever witnessed. The most amazing being that ever graced my life. You are everything, and so much more than I ever dreamed.