002: Welcome, Sweet Hallie

July 14, 2022

My Sweet Hallie,

You’ve been with us now for just one week. In this week I’ve watched so many beautiful things grow and change, all stemming from love for you.

This time last week I was terrified. I was terrified I’d lose your mother. I was terrified I’d lose you. And I was terrified I'd have to explain all of that loss to your brother. Thankfully all of that worry was for naught. 

Today I sit here marveling at the miracle that is life. I look at you and your brother and I see pure and innocent love. I see two burgeoning futures brought to bear because of the boundless love your mama and I have for one another.

Dozens of precious moments this week have made a year-and-a-half’s worth of heartache and pain evaporate. From your brother’s first delicate kiss upon your wrinkled forehead to watching your mama look upon you with gentle eyes, it has all been worth it. You have been worth it.

I don’t know what the future holds, but what I do know is the present is as sweet as it’s ever been for me. 

Please know I don’t take my duty to you as your father lightly. I will always place your needs, your brother’s needs and your mama’s needs above my own. I will always make you my priority. I will always be here for you. And, most importantly, I will always love you.

As I close this first letter to you, I’d like to leave you with words etched in my memory from the very first book I read to your brother shortly after he was born. These are words I won’t forget, and they’re words I think of each time I look at you and each time I look at him:

“When I look at you, and you look at me, I wonder what wonderful things you will be. This is the first time there’s ever been you, and I wonder what wonderful things you will do.”

Until next time, my sweet girl.

Love,
Dad

Written July 14, 2022