I think it would be unfair not to post Rina’s letter to her father here too.

Dearest Dad, Daddy, Father … 31 years is a long time … I can no longer remember what I called you …

I feel like chatting to you today about all the things we never had a chance to talk about. Not because we didn’t want to talk, but because life tricked us badly, before we could talk all the talks and do all those other things that a father and daughter should do together.

I don’t think in Heaven you can see all that is happening here on earth and you can’t receive or read letters in Heaven, Dad, but I would still like to tell you what is going on in my heart and life, Dad. You would’ve understood.

I look at photos of myself and even though I sometimes make fun of myself and say that I must’ve been adopted or swapped in the hospital, I see myself in Dad. The first thing that stands out is the look we have, a look that says we’ll make it, we won’t give up, but still a look that observes with compassion and says that we love our neighbour, that we care and understand. So, yes, I’m definitely your child.

Dad, I have a beautiful, tall, slim, blond son. You would’ve been so proud of him, because he took your beautiful singing voice and made it his own. Dad, I wish you could’ve helped me raise him …

I’m sorry I wasn’t always an exemplary daughter. I’m sorry I was so hurtful and disobedient that last evening of Dad’s life here with us. Sorry for so much I’ve done wrong.

Thank you, Dad, for forgiving me. Thank you for loving me with your whole heart, Dad. Thank you for only giving me the best and thank you for the best home and education imaginable. I love you, Dad.

Tomorrow is your birthday and I wonder whether the angels will be able to find 86 candles today. When the moon and stars appear tonight, I will go and see if there is an extra light burning somewhere in the night sky.

So, my darling Dad, Daddy, Father … I have to say goodbye now, but I will always miss you with a loving heart.

While I wipe away the pesky tear slipping from the corner of my eye, I feel the pain, but also the joy. We, who mess up and get angry, but then receive forgiveness as well.

That is exactly what Jesus had done for us, so that we do not have to drag along that heavy burden of the bad things we’ve done. May we then, out of gratitude, indeed live differently and try again to drive anger out of our lives.

Scripture
James 1:19-27

Reflection
What makes you angry?
How can you channel the angry energy differently?
Should God help you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I’m ashamed of all the things I’ve done in anger. Thank you for paying the full price for that! Please heal the hurt in my heart and in the hearts of all those I have harmed. Please help me not to do it again. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.