From the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Victoria proceeded to walk over to her father's bedroom door. It was slightly ajar. Her father said, "The door is open sweetie, come on in." As he looked at his daughter standing so straight and tall, but with a slight hesitation of what was about to be said. Father said, "My dearest Victoria, I have always loved you to the depths of my being and I am very proud of the fine young girl that you have become. What I am about to tell you is very difficult for me, but I would rather your hear it from me." He began by saying, "Life sometimes deals us a very strange hand of cards and I unfortunately never carry an ace up my sleeve." Victoria looked a bit puzzled, as her father continued speaking. "Tomorrow, I have to go to the hospital and I may not be returning. I have been fighting a losing battle with cancer and I have been instructed to put my affairs in order, as well as prepare myself for my heavenly home." Victoria crumbled with tears and heartfelt sadness at her father's feet.
He said, "Victoria, I need you to always know that you are my special daughter. You must hold on to my memory for as long as you live. There may be a very important and specific reason for this, but if for nothing else, to know that I will always love you." Victoria could not even speak for she adored her father. As they embraced quietly, their love for each other could be felt throughout the entire house, and but for a moment, it overshadowed the grief of losing her father.
