Shane's Note to Hadley

Dearest Hadley Faye,

I’ve had the past nine months to reflect on what it will mean to be a father. All of the weight that is carried with that title, to be honest, intimidates and challenges me. I’ve been praying every day since your mother and I found out that you’d be joining our family; praying that I’d be able to protect you, love you and guide you the way that I hope and desire to. I’ve been praying that when you do wrong I’d have the patience to correct you but still show you respect, that when you do right I don’t let it go unnoticed, when you cry I’d teach you how to be strong but not be too proud to cry with you, that I am never afraid to say that I’m sorry, and that I always ensure that my presence is more important than my gifts. You could never comprehend the love that your mother and I have for you even now when you are still unaware of this world inside your mother’s womb, and I’m certain it will only grow.

I could have never chosen a better woman to be your mother. When I met your mother the things that caught my eye were the ease of her smile and the compassion and delicacy of her heart. She is slow to anger and quick to forgive. She is humble and straightforward, always wearing her emotions on her sleeve. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, she loves God and family more than anything else in this world. These are the attributes I hope you learn from her. She is as ready as I am to see your beautiful face and to hold your hand as you grow up.

Lastly, my desire is for as you grow to know and develop a relationship with God. It is His will that defines and directs our lives and it is in Him that we find peace. Despite your mother and my best effort this life will never be perfect and we cannot shield you from every harm, but by us guiding you in faith I pray you could ‘meet with triumph and disaster and treat them both the same.’

We may not always be perfect, but I pray you know we have the best intentions, that we will never leave you, that our love will never ease, and that our pride in you will never falter. You are my baby girl. I love you.

With all the love that my heart could possibly possess,

Daddy