A Letter to My Daughter

Chapter 1: Letter to My Daughter

My dearest daughter,

If you’re reading this, it’s because life had other plans for us, ones that took me from you too soon. I hope, though, that these words find you well and, even in my absence, give you a sense of the father who loves you beyond measure.

There's good news and bad news in this letter. The bad news is, as you might have realized, I’m no longer with you in this world. The good news, my sweet girl, is that you are here—alive, vibrant, and with a future that holds the promise of happiness, wisdom, and adventure. Life may be hard to understand at times, especially when it comes to me and the choices I made. I was never perfect, but I had a life filled with lessons, and I want to share them with you, so that maybe you won’t have to make some of my mistakes.

From the moment I met your mother, Nancy, I knew I’d found something rare. But life, love, and relationships aren’t straightforward paths. I stumbled, made countless mistakes, and yes, I hurt the one person who loved me the most. I hurt myself too, in the process. I want to share these stories with you, to help you understand who I was, so that you might know what’s truly worth holding on to.

There will be moments in life when everything feels difficult, unfair, even cruel. But these moments are temporary, and if you can find the strength to endure them, you’ll see that joy and love can still shine through. I promise you, nothing in life ever takes away love, hope, or joy—not even a pandemic, not even my mistakes.

Chapter 2: College Days – The Start of a Beautiful Chaos

It was 2008, the year I entered college with high hopes and boundless energy. On my first day, I met two guys who would become my brothers for life—bakki and Basil. Together, we roamed the college campus as if it were ours, reckless and free. It wasn’t long before I saw her—Nancy. She was sitting in the lecture hall, a vision in a blue top and white jeans, looking as confident as anyone I’d ever seen. I was instantly drawn to her.

Like any young fool, I thought my charm would win her over in seconds. But she wasn’t easily impressed. The first time I tried talking to her, she hit me with a line so sharp it left me speechless. Her words had a way of cutting right through my ego. But I couldn’t let it end there—I was determined to make an impression, even if I had to stumble along the way.

I managed to get her number through mutual friends and, that night, attempted to text her. Let’s just say her one-liners continued to crush whatever self-confidence I had left. Nancy wasn’t like anyone I’d ever met—she was fierce, witty, and unafraid to put me in my place. We both had big personalities, and maybe that’s why we clashed as much as we connected.

As time went on, we both fell into our own worlds. I was messing around with different girls, thinking it would keep my ego intact after Nancy constant rejections. It wasn’t until I got cheated on myself that I understood what heartbreak felt like. When Reena, my then-girlfriend, betrayed me, I cried like a child, broken in a way I hadn’t anticipated. And who was there to help me through it? Nancy. We spent hours talking, and for the first time, I felt something real. She was my friend, my support, even when I didn’t deserve it.

Life Lessons from College

I wish I could say I was a great guy back then, but I wasn’t. I made one mistake after another, letting my pain and pride push me into selfish decisions. I let my wounds guide me instead of my heart. But I’m telling you all of this for a reason, dear daughter. I want you to know that love is not a game, and treating someone’s heart carelessly will only bring regret.

I hurt Nancy in ways I’m still ashamed of, but she showed me what it meant to forgive, to be strong, and to rise above pettiness. As you go through life, I hope you remember this: kindness and honesty are worth more than any fleeting moment of satisfaction. Guard your heart, but never close it off from those who truly care for you.