To My Little Girl, Cheryl
Whispers of Love Across Time
The edges of the letter were yellowed from years of resting on the old wooden desk. While going through her late grandmother's attic, which was full of lost mementos and rumors of the past, Cheryl came across it one fall afternoon. She traced the elegant script on the front of the envelope with her fingertips as she took it up. The words tightened her chest: To My Baby Girl, Cheryl. The handwriting was unfamiliar to her, and the postmark had completely disappeared.
Curious, she carefully unfolded the fragile parchment and took out the message. The words were still readable despite the slight smudging of the ink.
Cheryl, my dearest,
I might be only a memory by the time you finish reading this—a voice you hardly recall, a face that haunts old photos. But, my dear girl, I have loved you for as long as you have existed, and that love never dies.
Cheryl gasped for air. She was not prepared for the weight of the words. Was her mother the source of this? No, her mother had not passed away. Her heart was racing as she read on.
The world vanished the moment I held you for the first time after you were born on a sunny summer morning. Cheryl, you were ideal. Delicate eyelashes, little fingers, and a heartbeat that matched mine. I pledged to keep you safe, to lead you, and to love you forever.
However, life is erratic, and there are things I might not have dared to tell you when I was still there. If I am not, know that I have never stopped keeping an eye on you in case you receive this message in the future.
As she turned the page, Cheryl brushed away a tear. This was written by whom? A granny who has vanished? A distant relative?
We used to have nothing but love letters—words on paper that expressed our affection, our concerns, and our hopes. I hope this letter reaches you at the exact moment you need it most, when you are doubting the love that surrounds you or your role in the world. Because you are adored, Cheryl. More than you can ever imagine. Shut your eyes and listen to the breeze if you are ever unsure or feel lost or alone. I shall be whispering to you there. In every dawn, tender touch, and deed of generosity you perform for the world.
My greatest gift was you, my sweet child.
Always and forever,
Your devoted dad.
Cheryl's hands shook as she gasped. Her dad. She had never met the man. The man whose memory was hidden away like a delicate glass figurine, and of whom her mother had only whispered. He had passed away when she was a newborn.
She held the letter to her chest while tears ran down her face. Her life had been filled with thoughts of him, wondering what it would have been like to know him, hear his voice, and experience his love. And she felt more connected to him than ever now, through paper and ink.
Suddenly, as she looked around the attic, she saw it not as a repository of lost artifacts but as a wealth of memories just waiting to be unearthed. A fragment of her father's love had been maintained over the years, amidst the dust-covered boxes and piles of ancient literature.
She grabbed the letter close and folded it gently. She said, "Dad, I hear you." "You are heard."
And for the first time, Cheryl felt completely whole in that peaceful attic as the window let in golden autumn sunshine.
Thanks For All User.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from MD HUMAYUN KABIR and writers in History and other communities.
Europe's Changing Military Strategy: A New Era of Readiness
Europe's security has been reliant on NATO and, more especially, the US military umbrella for many years. But recent world events, such as China's growing assertiveness, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the erratic changes in U.S. foreign policy, have forced European countries to reevaluate their military plans. Europe is currently at a crossroads due to the potential for a future with a smaller American military presence and growing threats from adversaries.
By MD HUMAYUN KABIR11 months ago in History
Benjamin Franklin: The Mind That Helped Build a Nation
Benjamin Franklin was not born into greatness; he built it piece by piece with curiosity, discipline, and an unshakable belief in the power of learning. Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin was the fifteenth of seventeen children in a modest household. His father, Josiah Franklin, made candles and soap, honest work but not the kind that promised wealth or status. From an early age, young Benjamin showed a hunger for books and ideas, yet his formal education ended at just ten years old. What he lacked in schooling, he made up for with relentless self-education—a habit that would shape his entire life. Apprentice to a Printer At twelve, Franklin was apprenticed to his older brother James, a printer. The print shop became Benjamin’s classroom. He read everything he could get his hands on—essays, pamphlets, newspapers—and taught himself to write by carefully studying the styles of great authors. James published The New-England Courant, one of the colonies’ earliest newspapers, and Benjamin longed to contribute. Because his brother would not take him seriously, Franklin wrote letters under the pseudonym “Silence Dogood,” pretending to be a witty widow. The letters were published and widely admired. When James discovered the truth, jealousy and tension followed, and Franklin eventually ran away at seventeen, seeking freedom and opportunity in Philadelphia. Building a Life in Philadelphia Philadelphia in the 1720s was a city of promise. Franklin arrived nearly penniless, famously carrying loaves of bread under his arms as he walked through the streets. Yet he possessed something more valuable than money: determination. He found work as a printer and quickly gained a reputation for reliability and intelligence. Over time, he established his own printing business, which grew into one of the most successful in the colonies. Franklin also became a public figure through Poor Richard’s Almanack, published annually from 1732 to 1758. Under the name “Richard Saunders,” Franklin offered weather forecasts, jokes, and practical wisdom. Sayings like “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” reflected his belief in hard work and common sense. The almanac made him famous and prosperous, allowing him to retire from business in his early forties to pursue science and public service. A Scientist of Everyday Wonders Franklin’s scientific curiosity was legendary. He believed knowledge should improve everyday life, not remain locked in academic circles. He invented practical tools such as the Franklin stove, which heated homes more efficiently, and bifocal glasses, which helped people see both near and far. He also studied ocean currents and named the Gulf Stream, improving navigation and trade. His most famous scientific experiment involved electricity. In 1752, Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm, demonstrating that lightning was a form of electricity. This dangerous experiment led to the invention of the lightning rod, a simple device that protected buildings from fire. Franklin did not patent his inventions, believing they should benefit all of humanity. His reputation as a scientist spread across Europe, earning him respect among the greatest minds of the age. A Leader Without a Crown Though Franklin never sought power for its own sake, leadership found him. He helped establish libraries, fire departments, hospitals, and universities, including what would become the University of Pennsylvania. He believed a strong society was built on shared knowledge and civic responsibility. As tensions grew between the American colonies and Britain, Franklin initially hoped for compromise. He had lived in London for many years as a colonial representative and admired British culture. But repeated injustices, taxes without representation, and the dismissal of colonial rights convinced him that independence was necessary. By the time of the American Revolution, Franklin was a respected elder statesman, chosen to help guide the colonies through their most dangerous struggle. Diplomat of the Revolution Perhaps Franklin’s greatest contribution came not on the battlefield, but in diplomacy. Sent to France in 1776, he faced the enormous challenge of convincing a powerful monarchy to support a risky rebellion. Franklin’s charm, wit, and reputation worked wonders. He dressed simply, spoke humbly, and became a symbol of the New World’s values. French philosophers admired him; common people celebrated him. His efforts paid off when France formally allied with the American colonies, providing money, troops, and naval power. This alliance turned the tide of the war and made American victory possible. Without Franklin’s diplomacy, the Revolution might have failed. Shaping a New Nation After the war, Franklin returned home as a hero. Though elderly and in poor health, he continued to serve. In 1787, at the age of 81, he attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. While he did not speak often, his words carried great weight. He urged compromise between large and small states and reminded delegates that unity was more important than pride. His calm wisdom helped shape the United States Constitution. Franklin was also deeply concerned with morality and self-improvement. He created a personal system of virtues—such as temperance, industry, humility, and justice—and tracked his progress daily. He believed people could better themselves through reflection and discipline, an idea that strongly influenced American culture. Final Years and Lasting Legacy Benjamin Franklin died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84. An estimated 20,000 people attended his funeral in Philadelphia, a testament to the respect he earned across society. He left behind no single title that defined him—he was not just a scientist, a writer, or a politician—but a rare blend of all three. Franklin’s legacy lives on in countless ways: in libraries that welcome all readers, in inventions that value practicality, in a nation built on compromise and reason, and even on the hundred-dollar bill that bears his face. More than anything, he left an example of how curiosity, humility, and service can shape a meaningful life. Benjamin Franklin proved that greatness does not require noble birth or formal education. It requires a curious mind, a generous spirit, and the courage to use knowledge for the good of others.
By The best writer 2 days ago in History
Gentle patrons and the roots of cultural brilliance: Inspired by Stanislav Kondrashov – Oligarch Series
A legacy built on vision, not vanity During the Renaissance, a remarkable transformation in artistic and intellectual life emerged—not solely from the genius of creators, but from the steady hand of those who stood behind them. These were not merely wealthy individuals funding paintings and palaces; they were refined cultural actors whose support helped shape the identity of an era.
By Stanislav Kondrashovabout 3 hours ago in History
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.