15. An Unfortunate Loss
For Bailey Sellers, 2013 would be the hardest year of her life. Not only would it be her sweet 16, but she would lose the man she loved the most, her father, to cancer.
However, five years later, Bailey would receive the surprise of her life from beyond the grave.
14. The Diagnosis
Bailey Sellers and her father Michael were like two peas in a pod. As his youngest daughter, Bailey spent as much time with her father as possible, and in return, he would always spoil her rotten.
However, when Bailey turned 16 her father received some devastating news—he had pancreatic cancer.
13. Making a Plan
Michael knew that his daughter would take the loss the hardest since they were the closest.
With his days numbered, he made the decision to plan something special for Bailey so she would always remember him.
12. The Birthday Arrangement
Realizing that this would be the final birthday he would spend with his daughter, Michael arranged for a card and a bouquet of flowers to be delivered every year on her birthday.
He also began writing out birthday cards for each year as well.
11. Five Years Worth of Cards
The cards and flowers were pre-planned to go until Bailey’s 21st birthday. According to Michael, he wanted to ease her pain after his death, but also didn’t want to constantly reminder her of it.
Therefore, he planned for the cards to only be delivered for five years.
10. Passing Away
It would be 2013 when Michael would finally succumb to his cancer. His death hit Bailey hard because she never could have imagined she would have to live life without him.
Not only did she lose her father, but she lost her best friend as well.
9. The First Card
On Bailey’s 17th birthday she was shocked to receive a bouquet of flowers and a card from her deceased father.
Realizing he had crafted these special gifts prior to his death, Bailey began to look forward to each year when a new birthday card would arrive.
8. The Final Birthday
When Bailey turned 21, she had mixed emotions. While she was excited to finally have her first drink, as well as receive another card from her dad, she knew it would also be the last.
For Bailey, it was very tough to process.
7. A Broken Heart
Bailey had this to say about the final card, “Every year I looked forward to my birthday because I felt like he was still here with me, but this year is the last year I get them so it’s so heartbreaking.”
6. Sharing on Social Media
Bailey decided to share her final bouquet and card on social media with her friends. The first time she ever spoke of her father’s death and the special gift he gave every year.
The outpouring of love from friends and strangers was almost overwhelming.
5. Going Viral
Pretty soon, Bailey’s story went viral and people from all over the world began to hear about the story of the girl whose dad sent her a birthday card after his death.
It seemed Bailey’s story was inspiring millions of people across the globe.
4. The Words in the Final Card
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. You are and will always be my most precious jewel I was given. It is your 21st birthday and I want you to always respect your momma and stay true to yourself.
Be happy and live life to the fullest. I will be with you through every milestone — just look around and there I will be. I love you, Boo Boo, and happy birthday!
Daddy
3. Love from Beyond the Grave
One of the most special gifts that Michael could have given to his daughter was his love.
Even after his death, he was able to remind Bailey how much he loved her even though he couldn’t be there for the remaining milestones of her life.
2. Missing You
On social media, Bailey expressed her sadness that she wouldn’t have anymore cards to look forward to, but that she was thankful to her father for thinking of her.
She would miss him always, but they would be together again someday.
1. Together Again
While Michael and Bailey may only have memories and the cards they shared together over the past five years, one day they will reunite.
Despite the fact he couldn’t be with her now, Bailey will never have to question if her father’s love. He made sure to express it over and over again. His baby girl would always be in his heart…forever.