THIRTEEN
Dear Dylan,
What is faithfulness? Faithfulness is being firm in what you believe in and never swaying. Faithfulness is being consistent, loyal and steadfast in what you stand for and believe in. For me, being faithful meant staying true to myself and God, and also loving you unconditionally. It’s hard to remain faithful in the world today, whether it is for yourself, towards others, or to God. Still, I hope that you and our daughter will remain steadfast in faith because honey, it’s worth it. It really is. I’ll always love the both of you.
Love Katie.
***
It brings me great joy to watch my daughter grow up from a stumbling toddler, to a talkative, inquisitive child and now a young woman with a passion for Christ. In this life here on earth, nothing else matters more to me than knowing that Haley is safe and happy. I’ve never thought of loving Haley as an obligation. In fact, there will never be a time when I will never love her. I guess these things just come from being a father. I never knew I could love someone again after Katie left me, but now I do.
Haley is, and always will be a fun, loving individual with a big passion and love for God. Probably all this was instilled in her ever since she was a child. We do have our quiet time together every night still, and it’s during these times where I can truly see how much she’s grown and her maturity almost seemed to belong to someone far beyond her age. The way she carries herself and leads her life is a testimony of how much God loves her, and how much she loves Him.
Two summers ago, Haley and I brought our friend Noah to church for the first time, and just last summer, Noah was baptized in faith and love in the midst of his friends, family and loved ones. He was never the same again and the radical change in him was evident. The best part is, sometimes Noah comes over and has quiet time with us too. Well, when Noah comes over it isn’t exactly a quiet, quiet time anymore, what with his infectious laughter.
What I’m trying to say is that I’m glad Haley is brought up in a way where she knows the Truth and this truth shall be the one that not only sets her free, but sets a course in her life in which I know her happiness will remain everlasting. Katie’s right. To remain steadfast in faith, it’s worth it. It really is. In a world where everything is constantly moving and shifting, I’m glad that we believe in a God who is permanent and never changing.
YOU ARE READING
16 Letters
Teen FictionSixteen letters came through the mail over the course of sixteen years. Each letter brought significance, hope, joy and laughter, but most of all : memories.
