Ed. Note: The following is a letter written by a 16year-old girl to her father a few weeks after he had left her mother, her brother and her for another woman. Though “adapted,” we trust this true story will solemnize both dads and moms.
“Dear Dad, “It’s late at night and I’m sitting in the middle of my bed writing to you. I’ve wanted to talk to you so many times in the last few weeks, but there was never any time when you were alone.
“Dad, I realize that you are seeing someone else and that you and mom may never get back together. That’s very hard for me to accept, especially knowing that you may never come home and be an everyday dad to my brother and me again.
“But at least I want you to understand what is going on in our lives. And don’t think Mom put me up to writing this; she didn’t. She doesn’t even know I’m writing to you. I just want to share with you what I’ve been thinking about.
“Daddy, I feel like our family is like a really nice car and we’ve been riding together in it for a long time. It has looked great on the outside no scratches or rust and it has lots of nice things inside. But as time has gone on, it has developed problems.
“The engine is smoking now, the wheels wobble, the seat covers are ripped, it’s hard to drive and it’s really hard to ride in because of all the shaking and squeaking. But you know what, Dad? It’s still a great car or at least it could be. With a little work, it could run for many more years.
“My brother Brian and I have always been in the back seat and you and Mom have always been up front. We always felt secure when you were driving and Mom was there beside you.
“But last month when you left us, Mom had to take over at the wheel. It was nighttime and we had just turned the corner and suddenly we looked up and saw another car, out of control, heading right for us. Mom tried to swerve out of the way, but the other car smashed into us and the impact sent us flying off the road, crashing into a light post.
“The thing is, Dad, just before we hit, we saw it was you driving the other car and we saw someone else sitting next to you... that other woman.
“It was a terrible accident and we were all rushed to the emergency room. When we asked where you were, nobody seemed to know. And, in fact, we still don’t know where you are in all this, or if maybe you’re hurt too. Daddy, did you need help?
“Mom was really hurt, Dad. She was thrown into the steering wheel and it punctured her lung and almost pierced her heart. And Brian was thrown against the back door so hard that the glass cut him and he was in so much pain and shock. He still hurts so bad that he doesn’t want to talk to anybody.
“I was thrown out of the car and broke my leg. I lay on the ground and it hurt so much that I couldn’t help Mom or Brian. There were many times during that night and since then that I wondered if any of us would make it. And even though we are getting a little better, we’re all still in the hospital.
“The doctor said I’ll need some therapy that it would help me get better. But Daddy, I wish it were you helping me instead of therapy.
“The pain is so bad. But what’s worse is we miss you so much. Every day we wonder if you’re going to visit us here in the hospital. And every day you don’t come. Daddy, I know it’s over, but my heart would explode with joy if somehow I could look up and see you walk into my room.
“At night, when it’s really quiet, they push Brian and me into Mom’s room and all we do is talk about you and how much we all loved driving with you and how much we all wish you were back.
“Daddy, are you all right? Are you hurting from the wreck? Do you need us like we need you?
“If you ever need me, I’m here, and I love you.
“Stacey”
One morning, a few days after mailing the letter, Stacey came downstairs for breakfast. There, sitting at the table holding hands, tears in their eyes, sat her dad and mom. He had come back.
Brethren, Satan is waging a terrible battle against us. God grant each brother the desire to stand in the gap, to be a godly man, husband and father, who not only hears the Word of God, but obeys it as well.
Sisters, encourage your husbands, fathers and brethren to be men. You can have a positive impact for good in a world that despises godly manhood.
“O man of God... pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness of spirit. Strive earnestly in the good conflict of faith” (1 Tim. 6:11-1211But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:11‑12) JND).
Ed.