Letter to My Eldest Daughter

My beloved daughter,

Today, I want to write you a few lines, just to share with you things I’ve always kept in my heart but don’t often say out loud. You’re now 10 years old—so grown up—and every day, I see you becoming more mature and beautiful. Everyone says you resemble me, and every time I hear that, I feel so proud.

I always think about your 10th birthday. That day, I promised to organize a special celebration for you, but I couldn't fulfill that promise. It makes me feel so regretful and troubled. I always want to do my best to make you happy, but there are times when I fail to achieve what I hoped for.

I hope you understand that, even though I couldn't keep my promise that day, my love for you remains boundless. I will try harder to create many beautiful moments with you in the future. You are my greatest pride, and I always wish for your happiness

I’ve always worked hard to provide you with a full and happy life so you wouldn’t have to lack anything. But I know that in recent years, there were times when I couldn’t earn as much as I wanted, and sometimes, I couldn’t give you everything I had hoped to. It makes me feel sorry, even though I know you’ve never blamed me.

Now, I’m working far from home and can’t be with you, your mom, and your younger sister every day. I know that’s not easy, especially when your mom has so much to take care of. That’s why I ask you, my eldest daughter, to help me with one thing: help your mom take care of Khánh and assist her with small tasks around the house. Your sister is still young and needs your love and guidance, and I believe you will be a wonderful older sister.

I know there are times when you might wish for more attention from mom and dad, or to have the same carefree life as other kids. But my dear daughter, you’re a kind, thoughtful girl, and that’s something I’m always so proud of. I hope you’ll always keep that loving and sharing heart, not just with your family but with everyone around you.

This year is your final year of school, and you will face many more important lessons. I know there will be new challenges and things you have to learn, and I won’t be at home to guide you as I did in the past. But I believe in you because you are a smart and resilient girl. I hope you will try your best to complete your lessons and prepare well for the final exams this year. I’m confident that you will achieve great results. I am always proud of you, and even though I can’t be there with you, I will always support you.

I promise to keep working hard, even from afar, to ensure that you, Khánh, and your mom are taken care of as best as I can. But more than that, I want you to know that I love you so much, even if I don’t say it often. I only wish for you to stay healthy, well-behaved, and happy. To me, you don’t need to be the best at everything—you just need to be a joyful little girl who loves and cherishes life.

Please be good, listen to your mom, and embrace your role as the amazing older sister you are. You are my greatest source of motivation to keep striving every single day.

With all my love,

Your Dad