What I Mean When I Say, ‘I Love You, Son’
Columnist Joe MacDonald pens an open letter to his sons, who have hemophilia
I tell my sons that I love them every day and at the end of every conversation. I can count on one hand the number of days I haven’t spoken to them.
However, sometimes I fear my words fall on deaf ears, as my pronouncement of devotion may sound repetitive and straightforward. So I’d like to explain precisely what I mean when I say, “I love you, son.”
Dear Julian and Caeleb,
When I tell you I love you, I offer you all of life’s possibilities. I wish you every avenue to success as you find your joy. I hope you overcome any obstacles in your path and that your story may end with contentment and fulfillment as you reflect on a well-lived life. I hope your journey gives way to happiness beyond your wildest expectations.
My words come with a father’s love that reaches beyond the moon and back. Our journey through chronic illness and other dark moments of the soul has taught me that I can’t do anything alone. I cling to your hand as we discover the ups and downs of living with complications resulting from a bleeding disorder. Together, we find hope in even the worst circumstances.
When life gets rough, and I begin to doubt myself, I see the love you share with me, and I know the world is better because of it. Our bond is unbreakable; as I promised when you were born, I will never leave you. My commitment to you is so much greater than a bleeding disorder.
Together, we figure out ways to adapt to the constant changes hemophilia brings. We stand side by side, ready to wage war against our most potent enemies: bleeding, pain, and the mental pressure to balance everything.
There’s never a day when I don’t think about you and your life’s great promise. I hope you achieve all of your dreams and that your life overflows with exciting new surprises. I give you my heart on a silver platter, knowing that each beat gives you the strength to excel and the courage to face adversity.
I hope and pray for you all these beatitudes, my dear boys. My joy comes from the many times we laugh and cry together, and I’m always seeking your best interest. I carry your dreams, hoping that I may live to see the amazing life you create for yourselves. I hope to see the wonder of your handiwork.
Those three little words, “I love you,” wield so much power. They can raise us from our circumstances and cry out blessings in a world where other words of inspiration and hope fail to make their presence known. And so, my dear boys, I offer you all that I am, have, and hope to be with every part of my being. May love shine into the darkest parts of your soul and give you a life filled with happiness and joy.
Love,
Your Dad
Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
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