Dear Dad,

You were my hero. You gave me what I wanted and always had a way of getting me what I needed. You always kept me safe from the neighbor’s dog. You always picked me up and kissed my boo-boos when I fell in the driveway or out of the tree in the back yard. You always let me sleep in the bed with you when I got scared of the dark. You continued to love me. Even when I argued with you and yelled those three words I regret the most….”I hate you”. You always encouraged me to do my best in everything I do. You taught me once a quitter always a quitter. That’s why you never let me quit the basketball team.

It breaks my heart that you won’t get to see me graduate from high school or college. Nor will you be the one to walk me down the isle at my wedding or be the second one to hold your grandchildren.

I hate myself for not seeing it sooner. I should have taken your problem seriously. I never thought drinking would kill you. I always thought you were going to be around forever. I never thought it was possible you could die. I never thought I would spend one day without you in it.

Daddy, I miss you so much. If you could read this, you would see that I am truly sorry for not getting you the help you needed. I love you and would do anything to get you back.

Your daughter, age 16