A letter from one of my "little girls".

She handed it to me and told me to read it when I reached home. Had no idea what it was until after I read it. I was blushing! Darn. Not used to this emotion thing. My eyes actually got wet. I think this letter single-handedly restored some trust in teenagers. I RARELY receive thanks from my kids and especially written (except for Janeze) thanks. I love you Deneisha. You've gotten into my heart more because of this. I'm a sucker for the little things.

Here it goes:

"Dear Mel,

Hope you are ok. I am just writing to tell you something that I might not do well in saying out personally. You have been a great help to me. You would not understand. It was not a plan to get so attached to you but you are amazing. You "Mel" you are like the father I never had and I think that you are an angel (oh a VERY blunt angel) sent from above and every day I thank God for you. Mel, I'm not writing this because you are helping me write my project but I'm doing this to show you how much I really do appreciate you.
Since lately, I've found myself doing a lot of crying and I'm really not sure why. I've started feeling that you've abandoned me but I have to keep reminding myself that you are not my real father. I'm also getting too busy for church & I feel I'm drifting too far from the BIG MAN to the point of straying. I don't want that to happen. Lately, I started looking at the people I call friends. It's amazing because none of them really are. I'm migrating soon anyway so it wouldn't really matter but what am I going to do without people like you, Mel?"

I'm writing this with wet eyes. I HATE emotion. It's embarrassing but what can I do when a 15 year old writes this to me? God, what a responsibility to grow your children! It's such a HUGE responsibility & I'm humbled by the fact that God chose me ( a Christian who sins A LOT) to nurture His future leaders. Scary. Thank you Deneisha! I love you so much. Still have a weak heart for the buff-teethed smile!