Table of Contents
Introduction: A Childhood Dream Shattered
When I was a young girl, like many others, I held onto a fairy-tale ideal. I yearned for a perfect life – a cozy home, two parents deeply in love, and eventually, finding that same love for myself. I believed my parents would forever be the epitome of everlasting love. Unfortunately, reality had other plans.
Divorce and a Life Altered
My parents separated when I was just a toddler. In my hazy memories, everything seemed blissful. I still saw both of my parents regularly, and their love for me overflowed. Little did I know, at the tender age of two, that my time with my father was swiftly ticking away.
Coping with Loss
At eight years old, my world shattered when my father passed away. The devastation was immeasurable, but somehow, I managed to navigate through the storm. Perhaps it was my youthful innocence shielding me from the harsh realities of life. My family, with strength and determination, weathered the storm together.
Enter a Guardian Angel: My Stepdad
But this story isn’t solely about me or my journey. It’s about the incredible man who stepped into our lives and pieced together our broken family – my stepfather, Matt. A man who selflessly embraced the role of a father when he didn’t have to.
A Heartfelt Message to Matt
Dear Matt,
First and foremost, I want to express my love for you. I realize I haven’t voiced it enough over the past eleven years. It took me a while to find the courage to say it openly, as though acknowledging my love for you would somehow betray my late father. For the longest time, I believed my mom was all I needed, and I resented any intrusion into our lives. How wrong I was, my friend. And trust me, admitting that I’m wrong is a rare occurrence. I held onto resentment for far too long, longing for the picture-perfect family that seemed forever out of reach. Regret consumes me when I think back on those moments.
A Selfless Act of Love
You were young, and you had no obligation to mend our fractured family. You stepped into the daunting shoes of a father to two heartbroken children, and you never faltered. You embraced the responsibility, as terrifying as it must have been, without hesitation. It takes an extraordinary man – a good and selfless soul – to do what you did.
The Courage to Love
I now recognize that the monumental change I experienced was magnified countless times for you. To enter a family and offer love and support to two kids who had just lost their father – there are few who could accomplish such a feat. Yet, you did it with remarkable grace. You were never attempting to replace my dad, even though my younger self occasionally saw it that way. Instead, you wholeheartedly labored to love us, even when we resisted. I harbored anger towards you back then, but hindsight has granted me clarity. You always sought what was best for me and the family we built together.
A Father in Every Sense
For the past eleven years, you have been my rock, my guiding light – the closest thing to a father I’ve had. You patiently taught me how to ride a bike, or at least made valiant attempts. You shared your wisdom on driving a car and taught me to guard my heart against unworthy suitors. You taught me the true meaning of love. When my little legs grew weary, you lifted me onto your shoulders and carried me. You effortlessly reached the things I was too short to grasp. Not a single day passed without your unwavering presence and support whenever I needed it. You saw past my flawed moments as a typical “step” child because in your eyes, I was never just a “step” daughter. I was and always will be your daughter.
Gratitude and Apology
So, this message extends to all the times I screamed, “I hate you!” or “You’re not my dad!” To put it simply, I owe you an apology. Though mere words can never fully repay you, I still want to say it. I love you, and my gratitude for everything you have done and continue to do for me knows no bounds.
A Divine Connection
It has taken me years to comprehend this truth, but I firmly believe that my late father would thank you from above. Sending you to us was his way of caring for me when he could no longer be by my side.
With all my love,
Dev
