For many people, a 21st birthday is a very big event. From a social aspect, it marks the day you’re legally able to drink alcohol and party in places meant only for people over 21. It goes without saying that this opens a lot of doors previously closed.
For Bailey Sellers of Knoxville, Tennessee, her 21st milestone promised so much more than just the norm, though.
Sellers lost her dad to cancer when she was just 16, and so knew the day would be difficult without him. Did that mean he had forgotten her? Of course not…
In November last year, Sellers celebrated turning 21 by uploading a heartwarming tweet that has since become a viral hit.
It read: “My dad passed away when I was 16 from cancer and before he died he pre payed flowers so i could receive them every year on my birthday. Well this is my 21st birthday flowers and the last. Miss you so much daddy.”
My dad passed away when I was 16 from cancer and before he died he pre payed flowers so i could receive them every year on my birthday. Well this is my 21st birthday flowers and the last. Miss you so much daddy. ? pic.twitter.com/vSafKyB2uO
— Bailey Sellers (@SellersBailey) November 24, 2017
Sellers’ dad, Michael, passed away in 2012 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He had sent his daughter flowers for the past five birthdays – it’s his little way of letting her know he’s still around.
Each year, Sellers herself posted photos of the flowers to social media, never assuming the gesture could have been as popular as it has been.
This year, however, Michael’s flowers quickly became an internet hit. Sellers’ post garnered more than 335,000 retweets and 1.4 million likes.
For Sellers, her most recent set of flowers came with a rather emotional card. According to the New York Post, it read: “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.
“Be happy and live life to the fullest. I will still be with you through every milestone, just look around and there I will be.”
What a fantastic gesture, one we’re sure Bailey will remember until the end of her days, when her and her father can be reunited again.
You can see more on Michael’s gifts to Bailey in the video below:
Well, that certainly left me with tears in my eyes. What a brilliant way for Michael to ensure Bailey has birthdays she can look back on with fondness.
If you’ve lost a loved one then you’ll know just how hard big occasions can be without them. Share this story to spread a little love around!
