Thursday 14 February 2013

A letter of love to my baby girl

Today is the first anniversary of The Futures Rosie. I had wondered how best to mark the occasion. Perhaps I would write a recap of the year, highlighting the major moments? Maybe do a photo montage of the best bits? I couldn't ignore the fact it fell on Valentines Day so settled on writing a letter of love to my Budlington explaining my reasons for starting The Futures Rosie and thanking her for inspiring me to do so. I'd also like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support this past year, it really is your encouragement and willingness to share that brings the blog to the attention of those that can benefit from reading about Rosie (thinking back to myself as an anxious parent two years ago).


A letter of love to my baby girl...

Dear Rosie,

I've never been one for writing, in fact rarely do I even make time to read, but then you came along and brought out a side in me I never knew existed. Without your inspiration I would never have known this joy of being able to share my love and affection for something so pure, so innocent and so beautiful – that 'something' my dear is you. See I started writing my blog because the feelings I had when I first learned of your extra special chromosome were so very new to me, I felt a little bit frightened at times to be honest because I didn't really know anything about Down's syndrome and the special powers its given you. There were also feelings of overwhelming protection (those ones will never ever go away) and all this before I had even laid eyes on you. Then you came into my life and changed it forever and for the better too. I wanted to let others know how your extra little chromosome is nothing to be afraid of, how very precious you are, how you have this amazing ability to make everyone smile, how you have fulfilled (over and above) my dream of adding a daughter to our wonderful family.

I consider myself a very lucky Daddy – so proud I am that I sit here writing my feelings down without being afraid to tell everyone, you may learn when you're older that it's not always the easiest thing for a man to do, but with you by my side I don't really worry about that anymore. You have taught me so much about myself, brought out a confidence in me that has been hiding away for years. 

I won't ever be able to thank you enough for all you have done for me, all that you have taught and continue to teach me, BUT I can promise to do everything within my ability to raise, protect and help you realise any dreams you may have for the future. You see Rosie, contrary to what some people may think or even sometimes say, you can (and most likely will) achieve anything you want to.

All my love.
Daddy. xxx



23 comments:

  1. One word - AMAZING! That is all <3

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  2. Perfect on so many levels. I have tears and I read every word, which, for a professional skimmer, is saying something. x

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  3. What a beautiful letter! Love it! Much love from Utah!

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  4. Your all amazing, I'm so glad there is people like you in this world. Beautiful. Thank you for making my day. Xxx

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  5. Absolutly beautiful. Happy Birthday TFR, you are a great source of comfort & joy. I read your stories with familiar emotions & find myself 'with you' all the way. Our beautiful princess Amelia is now 9 & has made my life complete. Yes we are having some tough times right now but her determination & enthusiasm for life will see us through. Have a great birthday/valentines day & keep sharing your lovely princess with us. Thank you.

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  6. Such a beautiful little girl, her smile is full of sunshine and her eyes like little stars..
    She is lucky to have a dad who loves her enough to put in writing what he feels.
    Best of luck to you and your family..Maxine Harris

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  7. As usual Tom another fine piece of literature which has brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face to see you in such adoration of Rosie and how lucky she will be when she starts to read what we have all had the chance to. Alex xx

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  8. Totally tear-jerking & heartfelt :-)
    Happy 1st Birthday TFR and to many more.
    xxx <3

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  9. Simply beautiful xx

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  10. Lovely letter Tom. I'm sure Rosie will tell you how proud she is to have you as a dad when she's older. Happy first anniversary TFR. As I've said before I wish there had been someone writing a blog like yours when Danny was born as I'm sure it would have steadied me during those early days. Your writing touches many people, with or without a child with DS, and sharing Rosie's progress, not to mention her beautiful smile, is such a positive source of inspiration. Have no doubt, you are making a difference. Keep it up and give Rosie a hug from Danny.

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  11. Lovely letter Tom. I'm sure Rosie will tell you how proud she is to have you as a dad when she's older. Happy first anniversary TFR. As I've said before I wish there had been someone writing a blog like yours when Danny was born as I'm sure it would have steadied me during those early days. Your writing touches many people, with or without a child with DS, and sharing Rosie's progress, not to mention her beautiful smile, is such a positive source of inspiration. Have no doubt, you are making a difference. Keep it up and give Rosie a hug from Danny.

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  12. So wonderful. The future is so Rosie in every way. Dev is 16 and the amount of love and joy she has brought is astounding, and more is on its way! Enjoy and keep writing!

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  13. So lovely and echoes all the feelings we have had since having James four months ago. Spent 10 minutes making him giggle today and it makes everything all so amazing. Seeing Rosie blossom through your blog gives us so much hope for the future. Thank you!

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  14. That's a beautiful letter - happy valentines to you and your wonderful family xx

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  15. Happy Anniversary, I hope it's the first of many :) Rosie is a beautiful little girl and very lucky to have such a fab family. Your blog always makes me smile and occasionally cry! Eva has made my life complete from the second she entered it 2 years ago and yes things can be rocky healthwise but my beautiful girl is fiesty and determined! After buying her new shoes today she took my face in her hands and kissed me, I wish I could bottle that feeling! Lots of love to you all from laura and Eva xx

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  16. It is a beautiful letter. I wish you all the best x

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  17. You lucky lucky man having such a beautiful little girl. God bless you both.

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  18. beautiful letter

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  19. wow is all I can say. Such a beautiful heartfelt letter to your daughter. This just made my day. Thank you for sharing. And a big happy b.d. to your wonderful loving daughter.

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  20. This is so true. My beautiful daughter is now 35 years old and the light of my life. She has accomplished so much more than I ever dreamed she would. Life wouldn't be so awesome without her.

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  21. she is a beautiful little girl inside and out just look at the love and joy in
    her eyes, precious baby.xxx

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  22. You are a inspiration to many. Peace and Joy be upon you and your family.

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