Girls visit their father’s tomb to show him their new dresses. They find two boxes with their names on them 
“I want my daughters to be the most beautiful girls in the world for my birthday,” Paul said in a soft, optimistic whisper.
“What they’re going to wear really interests me. Girls, promise me you’ll come show me your beautiful dresses. Even though I can’t be with you that day, you’ll still look amazing.
His final remarks were A humble, affectionate, and timeless wish.
Each of the two sisters’ carefully chosen outfits for the day was a tribute to their beloved father.
They slowly walked hand in hand toward his grave, their mother Monique by their side.
They were going to be surprised, though.
Gently, the two meticulously wrapped boxes were set in front of the gravestone.
Each had their name scrawled on a tiny heart-shaped sticker.
They looked at each other, overwhelmed.
— “Mom Have you done this yourself? The older girl said in a whisper.
Monique shook her head, her eyes watering.
— “No, my dears… I swear.
Each package had a handwritten note that read:
“To my princess, whom I will love forever, Dad.”
When the girls opened the boxes, they were shocked.
Girls discover two boxes marked with their names as they visit their father’s grave to “show” him their new clothes.
In response to their father’s last request, two young daughters visit his grave on his birthday to show him their beautiful clothing. Beside the gravestone, they discover a passionate inscription and two carefully wrapped parcels with their names.
The absence of their father, Paul, had a significant impact on Mariana, who was eight years old, and Iris, who was six.
They no longer plot to playfully torture their mother or steal cookies or ice cream from the kitchen at night since his passing. Without their father, joy had faded.
You spoil these girls too much, Paul! As Monique once said.
You always defend them when I chastise them—they’re stealing cookies from the cabinet!
“They’re so adorable, I can’t help myself!” Paul would answer. “I am so sorry, love—you know I love you, don’t you?”
Paul was constantly trying to stay balanced. A man who cherishes his family. But everything was different once he went. Iris and Mariana became very quiet, while Monique struggled to cope with the void he left behind.
Recalling her final moments with Paul was painful. She had watched him vanish before her eyes, helpless. He passed away quickly after being diagnosed, despite the best efforts of the medical staff.
He passed away peacefully one night while he was asleep.
The night before, he had asked the girls to see him in the hospital and stay with him till the end. He must have realized it was his last night with them. He also asked to speak with them privately.
I want my girls to look their best for my birthday, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ll wear. Will you come show me your beautiful attire? I promise you that you will look beautiful, even if I am not there that day.
Those were his last words that evening.
His refusal to return devastated Monique’s heart. She made every effort, yet she could not find peace. The girls were showing more strength than she did in their naivete. The burial had been especially difficult for her since she couldn’t bear the thought of him being buried below.
The day before his birthday, the girls asked their mother to take them shopping. They wanted to grant their father’s last desire.
“Mom, Daddy loved my pink dress,” said little Iris. I no longer have the fit he got me for my birthday. I thus want a new one that is the same color.
“Can you help me pick one, Mom?” Mariana continued. “I hope it’s Daddy’s favorite color.”
“I don’t think I’m made out for it, girls. Monique’s tone was devastated when she responded. She wasn’t ready for a joyful outing.
“But we have to go see Daddy,” Iris protested.
“And he asked us to dress beautifully for his birthday.”
Monique’s eyes were filled with tears. She was so distraught that she had forgotten Paul’s birthday.
“He told you that,” she said.
Yes, Daddy asked us to dress well for his birthday. “Mom, we have to go see him,” Iris remarked.Hurry up, we have to go shopping!
“When did he say that?” Monique asked, startled. “I didn’t know… I didn’t know he told you that.
“The last night we were with him, Mom,” Mariana explained. He held our hands and said he hoped we were well-dressed that day. I think we have to do it for him. I know you’re depressed, but will you still take us?
She then leaned closer to her mother and whispered in her ear:
I know you miss Daddy, but we have to do this for Iris. She really wants to wear a pink dress to impress him.
Mariana had always been an astute child.
She understood something that other kids her age didn’t.
She convinced her mother in the end.
“All right,” said Monique. Let’s go shopping, girls! Together, let’s look for the most beautiful dresses for Daddy’s birthday!
“Don’t be depressed, Mom,” Mariana begged.
On Paul’s birthday, the sisters dressed up and strolled hand in hand to his grave.
When they arrived at the tombstone, they discovered two beautifully wrapped parcels bearing their names and a note from Paul.
“Mom!” Iris shouted as she glanced at Monique. “Look, Daddy gave us presents! Is he not aware that we are supposed to give him a present? Today is his birthday! Her laughter was innocent and beautiful.
Iris, perhaps he believed it was a wise move. Monique answered, “Open your boxes, girls.”
As the girls opened their gifts, Monique held back her tears.
For the first time since their father’s death, Mariana broke down in tears, and Iris smiled widely.
Each box included a beautiful pair of shoes and a note from Paul to his girls.
“Shoes!” Iris let out a cry. “Mom, they look stunning! My favorite color is pink!
Paul’s Letter:
“Some angels up here are in awe of your beauty! They say you’re the most beautiful girl God has ever created. Daddy believes you look amazing in your outfits, therefore he wanted you to wear these beautiful shoes. I hope you like these.
I want you to stay the active ladies you were when you sneaked cookies and Mom chased you around. The next time you’re here, I want to hear your nice stories.
Every day, I want you to be joyful and smile. I observe and watch over you from there, and you should know that I’m in a great place.
My dear girls, Thank you for coming to celebrate my birthday. Daddy loves you without conditions.
When Mariana had finished reading the letter aloud, she embraced her younger sister tightly.
She turned to her mother and thanked her for bringing them.
The three of them joined hands as they felt his loving presence all about them, knowing that their husband and father would always be at their side.
Grinning and whispering, “I love you both so much,” Monique experienced a gentle warmth that relieved her pain and gave her the strength to carry on without Paul.
