Parenting is no mean feat. Once you become a parent, your responsibility to your children never ends.
They may grow up and become adults, but the fact that you are in charge of them never changes. One parent took his role very seriously that even beyond this life, he made sure that his daughter still knows how much he loves her.
Michael Sellers, a father of four, died from pancreatic cancer in 2013.
His daughter, Bailey, was almost 17 at the time. As her dad, Michael made sure that Bailey and his other kids knew that they were loved.
He had a particular promise to Bailey, that he would gift her flowers on her birthday every year until she turned 21. When he passed away, Bailey still had four more years before the promise was completely fulfilled.
Michael valued his promise to Bailey so much that he made sure his daughter would still get the flowers each year, even after he already passed.
Bailey turned 21 in 2017, and for the fourth year running after Michael passed, she received her bouquet of flowers. It was her last one, and as her dad promised, she received flowers on each of her birthdays until she finally reached 21 years.
But how could have Michael pulled this off? It was quite unique and touching, and the way he had thought so far ahead in the future only means one thing: he loves his dear daughter so much.
Bailey has so much gratitude for her father’s love, which she still felt even after he passed.
In a tweet that has gone viral, the East Tennessee State University student shared just how much love she has for her late father. On her 21st birthday on November 26, the woman received her last promised bouquet along with a sweet note that said:
“Bailey, This is my last love letter to you until we meet again. I do not want you to shed another tear for me, my baby girl for I am in a better place.”
Bailey shared how happy she felt after reading that message.
Michael passed away six months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In that little time, the loving father had prepared his yearly present for his dear daughter.
Bailey recalled that her father being sick was a tough time for their family.
The woman who originally lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, dropped out of high school while she was still a sophomore. She did this so she could help her mom in taking care of her sick dad.
“I became home-schooled so that I could help my mom out … because he couldn’t work anymore,” she told ABC News.
During those trying times, their family ties grew so much stronger, especially Bailey and Michael’s connection as father and daughter.
When Michael passed away, Bailey thought the flowers would never come anymore. But she was surprised when she received a bouquet three months after her father left the world.
The first card read:
“I loved you first…happy 17th! Love, Dad.”
She also received a letter that said she would continuously receive her flowers until her 21st birthday. Eventually, Kristy Sellers, Bailey’s mom, shared that she knew her husband’s plan.
“We were sitting on the couch — and it was about a month before he passed away — and he said he had already done it. That this was what his plans were,” Kristy shared with ABC News. “He said, ‘I’m going to do it until her 21st birthday. And if she’s married, ask her significant other to send her flowers in remembrance of me.'”
Michael did not only prepare special gifts for his youngest. He also had something made each year for his other kids.
Bailey’s older sisters, Morgan and Abigail, received embroidered handkerchiefs prayed over by Michael. He wanted them to use the handkerchiefs on their wedding bouquets. Their other siblings also received this special gift.
Even after his passing, Bailey knew that her father would always be there to guide her. In her heart and in her mind, he will always be loved and remembered!
Be sure to check out Bailey’s viral tweet below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
My dad passed away when I was 16 from cancer and before he died he pre payed flowers so i could receive them every year on my birthday. Well this is my 21st birthday flowers and the last. Miss you so much daddy. 💜 pic.twitter.com/vSafKyB2uO
— Bailey Sellers (@SellersBailey) November 24, 2017
