Letter from a dying dad

Tom Attwater a businessman from Sutton Coldfield is too young to die at the age of 31. He has been diagnosed with terminal brain tumor and the doctors are of the opinion that he will not survive more than three years.

This is the letter he has written to his step daughter Kelli, who is also suffering from cancer. Reproduced from the magazine"Friday", dt 13.06.2014.

Darling Kelli, 

I am so sorry I will not get to see you grow up as I so want to. Please don't blame people or the world for this. A lot of life is simply luck and mine is running out. 

I wish I had the words to make you feel better. I wish I didn't have cancer and you didn't have to see me in pain as you often do now. I wish so many things were different but they are not. 

Most dads and daughters have decades to chat around the kitchen table, their hands warmed by mugs of coffee, as the dad dishes out advice and their girls do doubt roll their eyes. We don't have that time. I won't be able to drop you off on your first day at big school, pick you up after your first date, hold you when your heart hurts or cheer when you graduate. 

But while your old dad is still around I thought I'd try to give you some life advice in one go. I hope it gives you some comfort. I hope cancer never returns so that your life is long, fulfilled and happy. 

SCHOOL 

Everyone will say it's vital to work hard at school. Hopefully you'll always do your best. I did well at school, but did it do me much good in life? Not really. School work is important, but make sure you have fun too. 

BOYS

At the moment you don't make much distinction between girls and boys and see all children as friends. That's typical of your sweet nature. But Kel, that will change as you get older. You might see them as stinky, pesky classmates in a few year's time. But, probably at secondary school, you'll realize they can be quite nice. 

You'll have boyfriends when you'are older - much older hopefully ! - and I won't be there to grill them about their intentions. So here's some advice from your old man. It's very hard to describe how it feels to really be in love. You might remember seeing me and your mum laughing together and cuddling on the sofa, and once the love hearts and flowers fade that's what real love love like. Have fun finding it. 

Always choose boys with gentlemanly values, manners and respect. Imagine them having tea and a chat with our family around our table and if you thing they'll fit in, you have found a decent young man. 

Sadly, you will have your heart broken one day. It hurts and will feel like the end of the world. But you will get over it. And even if a romance does't work out, try to be kind. Boys have feelings too. 

Lastly, if you have a special boy pal who is always there for you when boyfriends come and go, don't take him for granted. Don't overlook him. He might really care for you. 

MARRIAGES 

I often dreamt about your wedding day and imagined filling up with tears as I walked you down the aisle before giving you away. I won't be able to do that Kelli. Sorry sweetheart,. But I will be looking over your shoulder on that day, proud and happy you have found a special someone to love you and care for you. 

I wonder if you will play what you call "the family song" ( which is really I'll Be There by Jackson 5). It meant so much to me and my brother and sister growing up, I know it does to you too. I'll e there on your wedding day in spirit. 

MUMMY 

You and your mum will argue at times, especially you you're a teenager. Please remember she adores you and wants the best for you.Give Mummy a hug when she is feeling sad and help each other get through any horrible times when I am gone. 

When you're a teenager you might think your friends are right and your mum is wrong. But she has to make hard decisions for you and more than any friend you'll ever have, has your interest at heart. Treat her well. 

FAMILY

Nothing is more important than family and the values they give us. Nothing. 

FRIENDS

Treat people as they treat you. Be nice to anyone who helps you, always. Bullying is horrible - never become one. 

CHRISTMAS & BIRTHDAYS 

On your first Christmas without me, I'd love if you and Mummy would light a candle and remember me for a few minutes. It would be great if you two did the monkey dance together. Jumping around shaking our bottoms always made us laugh. That's something to make me smile from above. I'd also love if you visit my parents on Boxing Day. They will be hurting too. 

I've given Nanny Sue presents for all your birthdays. I wish I could be there to see you open them. Hopefully you will like everything as it's hard to imagine you at 10,15,20. I wonder if you'll still like One Direction. I wounder if they'll still make you dance around the living room. 

CAREER

You were two when you told me you wanted to be a "princess astronaut" so you could wear nice dresses and find new planets. You might now realize that's not possible. But so many things are possible for you, darling. Do what makes you happy and what you enjoy. If you do so, life suddenly becomes much, much easier. 

You may need to start a few different careers to find the one you enjoy, but so be it. One life, one chance. 

MANNERS 

Always remember your please and thank-yous. The reason Mummy and I drum manners into you is because they will help you throughout your life. Always be courteous, especially to elders. Never put a knife in your mouth. Remember to write thank-you letters for gifts of kindness as it is always nice to act with grace and gratitude. 

LEARN TO DRIVE

Most dads teach their daughters to drive and usually fall out in the process. Make sure you learn how to drive as soon as you can - it opens up the world for you. Also, make sure Mummy doesn't teach you (just joking, Joely) 

TRAVEL ABROAD 

It's a cliche to say travel broadens the mind, but it's true. See as much of the world as you can. But never on a motorbike (too dangerous)

BE HAPPY 

You never laugh at 50%, you always laugh at 100%. Your laugh takes over your whole body and it is highly infectious. I hope you never lose that. There is no point in asking you not to be sad when I go. I know you will be, princess. And I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and snuggle you until you smile again. Remember the Eeyore teddy I bought you from a charity shop ? You said you'd keep him safe and cuddle him when you miss me. That's a great idea. You can feel sad and use it as a driving force throughout your life. Or you can just be sad. You know which one I hope you chose.

BE CHARITABLE 
Please give to charities. Charities have been good to you and me. You'll probably always remember our trip to Disneyland. But I'll never forget the sacrifices people made to pay for your healthcare if ever cancer returns. Elderly people send prayer cards and $10 notes they couldn't afford. Heads were shaved, miles were run, thousands were raised. All for you. It's important to pay back. Doing good deeds uplifts the soul. Never forget there are people worse off than you, who you can help. 

Remember your life motto "Always keep trying". You might remember that I taught you say "giving up for losers". I failed a number of times in my life but never give up, Kelli never give up.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF 

In life many people will say you cannot do things. You make up your mind. Can you ? Do you want to ? Big challenges involve risks, so make smart choices. Those who told me I couldn't do certain things didn't want me to do them. If you want something, it is nearly always possible, so do your best. I'm sure there's a hell of a lot you can achieve !

I know you will make me proud and do something great in my memory. I know you can do it - so let's start now.

And finally.... Thank you for being you, Kelli. Thank you for paying me the biggest compliment of all times by calling me Daddy. Having you as my daughter is the greatest honor of my life. Thank you for teaching me more about love and happiness than any other person.

Enjoy your life. Don't rush through it. I will be waiting.

All my love, always to you, princess, and to Mummy.

Daddy