My oldest daughter, I saw you standing at the door, looking out at the pool of our villa. Your younger siblings were already at the beach, playing with their cousins and both your Yi Suk and Sam Suk (二叔, 三叔), on our big family vacation. Our extended family all in one place, sixteen of us across four hotel rooms, one loud family on a road trip. It was fun to share the room with you, Mommy and Auntie.
Mommy said the dress was meant for your youngest sister Joy, but she was still too small for it. It fits you perfectly. Maybe in a few years, Joy will take over the dress from you.
Six years ago, your Ye Ye (爺爺) went on a similar trip with us. Remember? Back then, there were two less children. Ye Ye would have been happy to see his two new grandchildren, your little cousins, but he left us a year after that trip. Ye Ye would have been happy to see you so big and tall too.
The morning light poured into our room and wrapped itself around you, dancing like gossamer around your still-wet hair. Your thoughts are opaque to us.
But we know you are happy, even though you needed to adjust to the new environment. I know you didn't sleep well the first night. It always takes a while for you, my autistic daughter, but you eventually overcome.
Faith, you are a big girl now. Taller than mommy already. A few more years before you leave special school. I don't know where you will go after you reach womanhood. But you will always be my little girl, Papa's little girl.
I am miles away from home. But my home is with me. It is not a bad way to spend my fifteenth Father's Day.
