Michael Sellers died of cancer five years ago, but before he passed, he did something wonderful for his daughter Bailey, and I think I may follow suit with my own daughters. He purchased flowers for his daughter every year on her birthday until she turned 21. Each year, his daughter is delivered flowers from him with a note, giving her an inspirational message that will motivate her for years.
This is such a great idea because as a father, I want to do so much for my daughters and I do not want them to forget me when I die. These flowers likely helped this girl cope with her father’s death as she knows he will always be there for her.
From The New York Times:
When Bailey Sellers turned 17 on Nov. 26, 2013, there was an unexpected bouquet of flowers waiting for her on the front porch.
“Happy birthday,’’ the note read. “You’ll receive these until you’re 21. Love, Dad.”
Her father, Michael Sellers, had died earlier that year from pancreatic cancer at 56. One of his last acts was setting up the recurring flower delivery, making each birthday another opportunity to hear from him anew.
Since that day, she had dreaded her 21st birthday, when she knew she’d hear from her father for the last time, she said in a phone interview on Monday. His final delivery came to her home in Johnson City, Tenn., on Friday, and her photo of her father’s note struck an emotional chord on social media, where it was shared hundreds of thousands of times.
Wow! This story is incredibly touching and tugged at my heartstrings. While Bailey admits she was dreading receiving the last set of flowers from her father, she knows how important they have been to her. She will always cherish the love and guidance he gave her.
As a parent, I can only imagine the emotion Michael felt when writing his last letters to his daughter. What a fantastic dad to leave such touching remembrances.
Our children are special, and they should always get the best of what we can give them. We need to show our kids more love and kindness so their lives are filled with purpose and meaning. This father preplanned and thought ahead, and the feeling is magical.
This is a great story and we all have them. We all need to enjoy the little things in life and set aside any disagreements we may have with those close to us. Our time here is short so we must make the most of it while we can. What a great dad and a great man. He’s set a fantastic example for us as parents and men.
If this story inspired you as much as it did for me, make sure to share it with all your friends and family!