Over a decade ago, I lost my job, my marriage, and my family because I didn’t take myself seriously. After slowly piecing my life together, I finally have a chance at redemption—with my daughter.
I used to be ambitious, convinced I’d run my own business. For a while, I believed I was on the right path. That passion was what made Rebecca, my ex-wife, fall in love with me. She supported me through the humble beginnings of my repair shop. During that time, we had our daughter, Harriet.
But the shop went bankrupt. Depression set in, and I lost motivation. I worked as a waiter to make ends meet, but I couldn’t provide stability. Rebecca grew frustrated. “When are you going to get a real job?” she asked. I had no answer.
Though Harriet and I were close, my marriage unraveled. Rebecca and I fought constantly. Then one day, my manager told me, “We’re going to have to let you go, Jimmy.” I didn’t even care—I was too low to fight back.
That evening, Rebecca and I walked with Harriet, who was pedaling her little car. Rebecca’s face was solemn. “I’m leaving you, Jimmy. I can’t do this anymore. You’ve given up on everything.” My world collapsed. I begged her for another chance, but she was done.
I hugged Harriet tightly. “Daddy will always love you, no matter what,” I whispered. She didn’t understand. By the next day, Rebecca and Harriet were gone. She took full custody since I was unemployed. Soon, she moved in with Eric, a wealthy man.
I scraped together money to buy Harriet a birthday gift—a small bunny rabbit—and left it at their gate. Eric had thrown her a lavish party with mascots and castles. I felt ashamed. My daughter had a new dad who could give her everything I couldn’t.
I was in a dark place. I sold the house my father left me and moved to another city. Odd jobs kept me afloat, but within two years, I was broke again. Evicted, I ended up on the street.
“I can’t keep living like this,” I told myself. I begged for work at a local store. The manager recognized me and gave me a chance as a cleaner. Months later, I was promoted to cashier, and within a year, administrator.
I was finally stable, but lonely. I had no family, no friends. I donated money to charity because I had no one to spend it on.
Then today, everything changed. For the first time in years, I received mail that wasn’t a bill. It was a Christmas letter—from Harriet.
Her words warmed me: “Hi Dad. I’ve finally found you! I’ll be flying in tomorrow. Even though Mom and Eric gave me everything, I always wondered when you’d come back. Mom said you were a loser, but I can see you’ve changed. I still have the bunny you left me—I named him Jimmy, so you’ve been with me all along! I love you. Merry Christmas, Dad.”
I broke down. After 13 years, my daughter was coming back. I never thought I’d get this chance. I changed my life, worked hard, and gave back to the community. And now, God has blessed me with Harriet’s return.
This time, I’ll do everything to make her proud. After 13 long years, I finally have my shot at redemption.
