A dad's letter to a graduating child

My dear child... I thank God Almighty for the grace and blessing He has given you on your graduation day. I thank Him for all the years that we have shared together as a family, for the mission He gave me to be your dad. I may have been overprotective of you over the past several years, but please understand that I did it all because I love you so much and I only wanted the best for you and your future.

As you graduate, my child, I am filled with mixed emotions. For one thing, I could feel that I am indeed growing older as I see in you the image of a young adult who was once my little angel not too long ago, someone I used to carry and cuddle with so much love and affection. I fondly remember all those times of your very young life, like when I would read bedtime stories for you, putting you to sleep by singing out-of-tune lullabies, being by your side and offering you my dose of TLC when you were sick, buying items needed for your school projects, attending school activities, and a lot of other things which I did out of my unconditional love for you as your dad. Indeed, how fast time flies!

I hope that you will always remember the valuable lessons that I have taught you through the years. May you put into practice such virtues and traits as you continue with your journeys towards life. Please remember that I will always be here for you not only as your dad but also as your best friend to whom you can turn to anytime in your moments of doubts, perplexities, as well as your triumphs and victories. You will always be my little angel no matter how old you have become because my love for you knows no time frame.

Let me just quote these beautiful lines that I have read somewhere:

“As you grow up, I feel you moving away from me in a direction all your own. I understand that you must follow your own path to wherever it takes you, but it is hard to let you go. We have always been so much a part of each other. My child, I know I can't hold your hand anymore or catch you when you stumble. I understand that you must separate yourself a little from me; it is a natural part of growing up. But trust my love enough to let me walk beside you as you seek out who you are and what you want to become. Let me be nearby as you explore your future and take it for your own. Let us take care that any distance between us never grows too wide to cross.”

I thank the Lord for giving me the chance to be your dad. I thank you for giving me the chance to be your best friend. I love you so much, my child. And that will be forever... Dad