Open Letter To The Children I’ll Never Have (Daughter) *
My darling daughter,
I never had the words. When you were born, Jesus, I was frightened. Not because you were a girl, heavens no. But because the doctors told us you almost didn’t make it. Premature and stuck in the NICU. I don’t blame you for causing all that ruckus. I would’ve done exactly the same.
The world will inevitably judge you. Many people may hate or despise you. Because you are a woman. Men will objectify you, women will gossip. Pay them no mind. You have your own heart. Don’t ever be afraid to follow it.
The biggest regrets I have are that I won’t be there to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day or ever see your future children and grandchildren grow up. I always knew, deep down, that you have the power to change the world.
The days after school, I hope that I wasn’t too much of an embarrassment. Your mom and I never expected you to be honest. But, ever since we’ve known you, you’ve been our greatest gift and our miracle.
Don’t forget to turn off the lights before you sleep at night.
Remember this? Your grandmother really liked it and it was also one of my favorites. When we finally brought you home from the hospital, it was playing on the radio.
Live a long, perfect life. Always be you. Most of all, BE HAPPY.
Love,
Papa
-RD
*Special thanks to H. Nemesis Nyx, Ayesha Talib Wissanji, and Jennifer Smith
