I get so sad when I have to leave you. Tonight, you asked me “where are you going, daddy?” and it broke my heart that I had to leave. I wish I could say, “I’m going nowhere ever again!”

But sometimes we have to leave. Only for a little bit. You know I am always with you in spirit. In my heart, we are always together.

In the darkest room you are the brightest light. Your Nano once said that about me, but I know you are even brighter!

And I think you are more brave than me! In fact, I know you are. You are never scared, never shy, never embarrassed. I love that about you so much. Sometimes when I am nervous or scared or shy, I think of you and you give me strength. My warrior.

I will always be sad to see you go. But I will always know that you are strong enough to go by yourself, if you ever want to. I know I will be a mess when you start to go to school by yourself, when you learn to drive… but that is all in the future. And I know you will handle it well. I will never let you do something alone unless you want to do it without me.

I wish you could tickle me and make me laugh through the camera… or better yet, in person! I’ll see your smile soon.

Bye bye, Maya! I will see you again as soon as I can. I promise.

♥ daddy