Grief is one of the hardest things about being human. Losing a loved one takes an immeasurable toll, and afterward, mementos and memories are often all we have to cling to.
Bailey Sellers, who lost her father to pancreatic cancer when she was just 16 years old, knows this particular pain all too well. What her dad did to comfort his little girl, however, is exceptional in its forethought and overwhelming beauty.
Sometimes, being human seems like an uphill battle.
Life has numerous joys and silver linings, but from time to time, the daily grind can seem just that, a grind. Big disappointments and little setbacks happen. But humans are resilient, so we keep pushing on.Of all life's hurdles however, death seems to be the one most likely to hit us like a train.
Getting laid off, enduring a serious injury, or dealing with family drama are all unpleasant. But none of those come close to the hardship of losing someone close to you. Death is in its own category, beyond any financial woes or physical setbacks.It's often difficult to see an end to grief.
Grief is an emotion that can be stifling, heavy, and make it almost impossible to function day-to-day. When intense sadness like that has a stronghold on us, seeing any type of light in the future feels next to impossible.The loss of a parent is one of the most crippling experiences we as humans go through.
If we're close to the people who raised us, their death, especially if it's sudden, brings an avalanche of grief. Parents, often, are the people who moor us and give a sense of home and guidance, so their loss cuts deep and has the potential to leave us feeling adrift.Thankfully, life equips us with resources to heal pain and get through the grieving process.
While it can seem like they're the only thing we have, memories, though painful at first, can, in time, become the balm that soothes raw pain. Being able to recall happy times, memorable smiles, and holding cherished photos close helps, at least a little.This young woman intimately knows the pain of losing a parent.
🌻🌻🌻 http://t.co/DifyYLJgE4— Bailey Sellers (@Bailey Sellers)1439654663.0
Even though it was a swift process, Bailey's dad made sure she'd remember him.
My dad passed away when I was 16 from cancer and before he died he pre payed flowers so i could receive them every… https://t.co/KBz5hjkvnn— Bailey Sellers (@Bailey Sellers)1511552130.0
In an amazing act of forethought, Michael planned a birthday gift every year.
Le Père de @SellersBailey est un homme exceptionnel. Quelle belle idée pour continuer d'accompagner sa fille... https://t.co/tDkF4wtsUg— Damien Toucourt (@Damien Toucourt)1511815048.0
The last of his gifts reflects a special bond.
via: Twitter
A 21st birthday is a big occasion for any young adult, but for Bailey it marked the end of something special and sweet. Michael had doted on his youngest girl, making sure he was there to coach her basketball team for 11 years and standing next to her in the hospital, while she dealt with multiples heath issues of her own. Making sure she had a birthday gift from him, even after his passing, was par for the course to this wonderful father.But the gift of flowers had to come to an end, and that was hard in numerous ways for a beloved daughter.
@thesn0wmexican I know. Every year I looked forward to my birthday because I felt like he was still here with me bu… https://t.co/sEVYwuBjcR— Bailey Sellers (@Bailey Sellers)1511562801.0
One particular Twitter user pointed out the hidden hope in the final gift.
@SellersBailey @thesn0wmexican Makes sense Bailey but I hope you can also see the message he likely intended by sto… https://t.co/PpQyhZLYHz— Cheryl Prevor Psy.D🔥 (@Cheryl Prevor Psy.D🔥)1511641773.0