Dearest Karina,
Beautiful daughter, words cannot fully express my love for you. My firstborn – Flesh of my Flesh and Vigor of my Spirit. You are the heartbeat of my life and the anxiety of my soul. God blessed my life with your creation. Before you came along, I was mired in a spiral of darkness. I was a proud man, contemptuous, and without instruction. You have taught me many things that you are not aware of. Let me explain; with you under my wings, I have experienced true love. A bond between a father and a daughter that extends beyond friendships or blood relationships. A deep connection that grows throughout the stages of life: When you were a baby I led you along your curious journey and provided you with the guidance that I never received as a child. In return, you graced me with joy unparalleled to anything I have ever felt. You were chubby! Heck downright fat but oh so adorable. LOL Praise God for the miracle of YOU! As you continued to grow, your unique personality began to mirror mine’s. A passion for sports, an impulsiveness for adrenaline, and a reckless abandon to surpass boundaries. You are your father’s daughter! Now you are starting to blossom into a beautiful woman. This is the part of God’s process that I never imagined or prepared for. When you were younger we were two “Peas in a Pod”. Now things are different. You practically live on your own (college), make your own money (job), and have become fond of another man (boyfriend). I knew that this day would come but never quite understood how difficult it would be to LET GO. What a lesson I have learned! God has tremendous plans for you to glorify him and in doing so my legacy will continue. As God allowed Jesus his only begotten son to soar for his kingdom’s purpose, I must also release you to seek his will. Despite a life of imperfection, God gave me the perfect gift: Karina. I love you and will always support and pray for you.
Papi
“Train a child in the way of the Lord and when they are older they will not depart” [Proverbs 22:6]