An Open Letter to My Daughter

Dearest Marlee,

There is an old saying in journalism that you should never bury the Lede (lead). You should always say the most important stuff at the top.

I have broken that rule time and time again, most notably — and regretfully — when it comes to my communication with you. I hope someday that you will forgive me, but maybe I need to forgive myself first.

No matter what. No matter what happens in the future, No matter what you do, say or accomplish, there is just one universal truth: I LOVE YOU and I am proud of you.

That’s the lead, Marlee. That’s what it’s important. That’s what I most want you to know. That’s what I should have said so many times before today.

For reasons I cannot explain, I suddenly bolted wide awake in the pre-dawn hours of the new day. I had an epiphany, and it was all about you . . . and your brother.

I don’t necessarily agree with every decision you have made, but I am so proud of your courage. I admire your strength and resolve to live your life as your true, authentic self.

You are one of the smartest people I have ever met. You are incredibly creative, and you have a knack for making me laugh with your jokes and your quick wit.

You are braver and more determined than I could ever imagine when I was your age.

Your work ethic is admirable, and the way you treat your friends demonstrates your true nature as a kind, loyal and generous person.

But none of that matters as much as this, Marlee | I love you. I will ALWAYS love you, and I am proud of you without any condition or expectation.

My love for you is a choice. A choice I make freely. I don’t need you to like me or forgive me. I just choose to love you. It’s just that simple.

I know that I have disappointed you. I know that I have hurt you — but I hope you know that it was never my intent. I wear those mistakes around my neck like chunks of Kryptonite. I desperately pray that God will forgive me

I am flawed, and I am working to be better. I believe that most people I know are in the same boat. But that fact does not excuse some of my reckless words and actions.

My love for you is a choice.
A choice I make freely.

As I begin my 62nd trek around the sun, I can assure you that the most satisfying and rewarding accomplishment in my life is the fact that there are two decent, kind, funny, hardworking people traveling the Earth — and they both call me Dad.

That is the most awesome title I have ever held, and I apologize for every one of my failures as a parent.

Let me say it again for the cheap seats: I love you, and I am proud of you.

Forgive me for burying the lead, and I pray that you can receive this note as I intended.

All my love,

Dad