The Dream Before You Arrived

 Dear Beryl,

Long before you were born, before I ever held you in my arms, I had a dream. It wasn't just any dream; it was so vivid, so detailed, that I went and told several people about it immediately.

In that dream, I saw everything exactly as it would eventually happen. I saw your mother lying in the hospital bed. I saw a lady sitting quietly in the window seat. And there I was, standing in the middle of the room, holding a beautiful baby. I remember feeling a wave of vulnerability wash over me that I had never felt before in my life. It was a powerful, undeniable force, a moment that felt like it was stating your name to the entire world.

When the actual day arrived for you to come into the world, we were both exhausted. We had attempted a natural birth at home, but after 24 long hours, we rushed to the hospital.

And then, you came out into the world.

I was completely mesmerized looking at you. In all the excitement and exhaustion, I looked down and blurted out, "Oh boy!" just thinking to myself, what do we have here?

Your mother immediately exclaimed from the bed, "What? A boy?!"

As the nurses moved you into the next area to check on you, I quickly started following right behind you. I turned back to your mother with a smile and told her the beautiful truth: "It is a beautiful girl."

From that very first moment, my world changed. I wanted to share this story with you here because the bond we share started before you even drew your first breath, and it is a bond that time, distance, and space can never change. I am so proud to be your parent, and I love you unconditionally.

Always,

Dad

I want you to know that this is your safe space, and I will be here updating it regularly. I am going to share a new story, a happy memory, or a little update from my world every single week on Monday. You can always come back here on that day to find a new note from me. No matter how much time passes, my commitment to you never changes.

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