Bailey Sellers’ was just 16 when her dad, Michael, died of cancer. But before he passed away, the thoughtful father of four from Tennessee arranged for flowers to be sent to Bailey on every birthday until she turned 21. On November 24, Bailey received a beautiful purple bouquet, her last from Michael.
The Eastern Tennessee University student shared a photo of the gift and the card on Twitter, where it has racked up more than 1.5 million likes. The note read: “Bailey, 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. You are and will always be the most precious jewel I was given. It is your 21st birthday and I want you to always respect your momma and stay true to yourself. Be happy and happy live to the fullest. I will be with you through every milestone, just look around and there I will be. I love you boo Boo and Happy Birthday!!! 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
Michael’s widow, Kristy Sellers, told ABC News on Sunday, November 26, that each of their children, who range in age from 21 to 33, received an embroidered handkerchief that he prayed over before his death. She added that he wanted his eldest daughters Morgan and Abigail, 25, to use the hanky in their bridal bouquets.
“He was my best friend. I looked up to him so much,” Bailey told ABC News. “He was just an overall great person.”
Michael Sellers died August 25, 2013, at the 56 — six months after he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
“Ever since my dad passed away, I’ve hated my birthday and I dread it every year because he always made it so special,” Bailey told The New York Post on November 25. “I was especially dreading my 21st birthday because I knew it would be the last year.”
