My Dearest
Michelle,
As you turn
18 today, I want you to know that this letter is not filled with advice. It
does not contain instructions on what you are going to do in future. It is a
letter to enable me to share a few words of love from a father. It is also
meant to serve as a reminder of all the things your mother and I have taught
you in all the 18 years since you came into our lives. We have always talked to
you and we know you have been listening. The time has now come for you to
follow, out of your own free will, all the wisdom we have imparted on you.
Wherever you
go in the country or in the world, know that you will always have a home to
come back to. Although legally you are an adult, you will always be my little girl
and as such I will always protect you.
You are now a young woman and men, some my age or even older, will take notice of you. Their interest in you will not always be noble. Majority of them will want to sleep with you but will not be interested in your welfare if you fall pregnant or get infected with STIs. I would ask you to think of such things whenever you get such requests. Maintain your self control and remember that the brightness of your future is not in the hands of a man. It is under your own control.
I am willing
to educate you for as long and as far as you are willing and able to go. All I
ask from you is to strive and do your best. The worst possible life is one
filled with regrets where you would wish you worked harder. Now is your chance
to ensure a life without regrets.
I know you
will make it in life because you are a go-getter. Now is the time to set your
goals in life. It is never too early to set targets of what you want to achieve particularly economically. Setting your goals in your 18th year will help you to
attain unbelievable achievements and set you on a path to freedom.
My daughter, I am happiest when you, your mother, and sister are happy. You know that as a family we have always valued quality time with each other when we can share and laugh with each other. I would like you to know that you will not be any happier than when you can be with those you love and let go of all inhibitions. I want you to always have something to be happy about.
As you go
out to face the world, you will meet diverse people. Some you will like and
some you won’t. You will hit it off with some while you will not be able to
stand others. Make sure you respect them all and spare any judgement you may
have on any of them. Instead of worrying about people, work on yourself so that
you can draw the right people in your life. Exercise a positive attitude at all
times.
These are
tempting times but I would like you to take good care of your dignity and
integrity. Do not give them up at any cost. They are all you have and they will
enable to get all you will ever want or need.
Finally dear
Michelle, always smile. You will be able to do this if you can think of all the
things that are going well in your life. Have a Happy Birthday!
From Your
Loving Father