Have you ever regretted not telling your loved ones you love them before it’s too late? In our conservative society, some of us struggle with telling our children that we love them. Yet, a phrase as simple as “I love you, my child” can bring about a life-changing effect. “I love you” can melt the darkest hearts. “I love you” can bring down the tallest walls. “I love you” can fight the toughest battles.
Dear Daughter shines a spotlight on not just the practical and physical but also emotional struggles that ex-offenders and their families go through. Here, Notle, a beneficiary of The Salvation Army’s Prison Support Services, shares his love letter to his daughter who he had to part with.
Dear Daughter…
When I first got the news that I would not be able to see you, I thought it would only be a short while. I’m sorry that I was only able to see you after years had gone by, and I’m sorry that I missed out more than half your life. When I was in prison, I never stopped thinking about you, and my heart ached, knowing that I was not there seeing you grow up. I wanted to be around you, to watch you grow up, to teach you about life, and to create memories with you.
Even while we were apart, I spent all my effort and limited resources just to find a way to see you. Every closed door and obstruction was so frustrating and discouraging. However, after three long years, we were finally able to have an open visit. To be able to see you, hold you, and even hug you, it was a dream come true; I missed you so much.
After being released, I was so glad to finally be back in your life, but you were no longer the same person. You’ve already grown so much, and I didn’t know how to be back in your life. We didn’t know how to speak with each other, and I tried so hard, perhaps too hard, to become your father again. When you said hurtful things, I just took it in because I knew that I was in the wrong. I was so sorry for hurting you all those years ago, and I wished that I could take it back.
I am grateful that with the support from The Salvation Army, we are able to put our past behind us and have a good relationship. I treasure you so much, and I will never do anything to leave again. I want to continue being in your life. There is so much I want to teach you, and so many memories I want to create with you.
Dear daughter, I don’t need you to be the smartest or the strongest or the most noble person in the world. I just want you to be diligent and to do your best. As long as what you do is what you want, no matter what it is, daddy will be so very proud of you. I love you so much, and I will never leave you again.
Love, Daddy
Read Notle’s letter here
Dear Daughter…
When I first got the news that I would not be able to see you, I thought it would only be a short while. I’m sorry that I was only able to see you after years had gone by, and I’m sorry that I missed out more than half your life. When I was in prison, I never stopped thinking about you, and my heart ached, knowing that I was not there seeing you grow up. I wanted to be around you, to watch you grow up, to teach you about life, and to create memories with you.
Even while we were apart, I spent all my effort and limited resources just to find a way to see you. Every closed door and obstruction was so frustrating and discouraging. However, after three long years, we were finally able to have an open visit. To be able to see you, hold you, and even hug you, it was a dream come true; I missed you so much.
After being released, I was so glad to finally be back in your life, but you were no longer the same person. You’ve already grown so much, and I didn’t know how to be back in your life. We didn’t know how to speak with each other, and I tried so hard, perhaps too hard, to become your father again. When you said hurtful things, I just took it in because I knew that I was in the wrong. I was so sorry for hurting you all those years ago, and I wished that I could take it back.
I am grateful that with the support from The Salvation Army, we are able to put our past behind us and have a good relationship. I treasure you so much, and I will never do anything to leave again. I want to continue being in your life. There is so much I want to teach you, and so many memories I want to create with you.
Dear daughter, I don’t need you to be the smartest or the strongest or the most noble person in the world. I just want you to be diligent and to do your best. As long as what you do is what you want, no matter what it is, daddy will be so very proud of you. I love you so much, and I will never leave you again.
Love, Daddy
We celebrate whenever an ex-offender makes the decision to turn over a new leaf. More than half the battle is won! The road ahead, however, comes with many challenges and obstacles that can cause one to feel lonely and frustrated. At PSS, we aim to walk alongside every ex-offender we come across as they embark on this new journey.
TSA’s Prison Support Services has been serving ex-offenders and their families since 2000
Inmates
Caregivers and families
Children of incarcerated parents
How do we help ex-offenders and their families?
The Salvation Army Prison Support Services supports ex-offenders in their reintegration journey, reuniting their families, and staying crime free. Our hope is that anyone who comes through the doors of The Salvation Army will find hope and the help needed in their journey, becoming positive contributing members of society.
Accommodation
Practical Needs
Relationship Building
Employment
Accommodation
Practical Needs
Relationship Building
Employment
Your contribution can help ex-offenders and their families reunite and start over.
$50 can provide TWO weeks of recess money for an ex-offender’s child.
$100 can provide academic help for an ex-offender’s child for ONE month.
$250 can provide a temporary shelter for ONE ex-offender for a month.
$500 can provide groceries for a month for ONE family of four whose breadwinner is an ex-offender.
$1000 can provide training for ONE ex-offender to learn new skills so that he/she can provide for the family.
Your contribution can help ex-offenders and their families reunite and start over.
$50 can provide TWO weeks of recess money for an ex-offender’s child.
$100 can provide academic help for an ex-offender’s child for ONE month.
$250 can provide a temporary shelter for ONE ex-offender for a month.
$500 can provide groceries for a month for ONE family of four whose breadwinner is an ex-offender.
$1000 can provide training for ONE ex-offender to learn new skills so that he/she can provide for the family.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Donate via PayNow
1. Scan the QR code below via your preferred banking mobile app.
2. Key in the amount you wish to donate.
3. Enter the following details in the reference field.
E13<space>DD<space>NRIC / FIN / UEN
E.g. E13 DD S1234567A
4. Confirm your donation and click “send”.
Scan to Donate
Donate via Cheque
Mail in your crossed cheque to Ang Mo Kio Central P.O Box 640, Singapore 915605
At the back of the cheque, please indicate the following:
1.Your NRIC/FIN (for Tax Deductible receipt)
2.“Dear Daughter”
3.The centre’s name (if you wish to donate to a specific centre/ cause only)
Payee for the cheque is strictly The Salvation Army, any other variations will be rejected by the bank.
Mail in your crossed cheque to Ang Mo Kio Central P.O Box 640, Singapore 915605
At the back of the cheque, please indicate the following:
1.Your NRIC/FIN (for Tax Deductible receipt)
2.“Dear Daughter”
3.The centre’s name (if you wish to donate to a specific centre/ cause only)
Payee for the cheque is strictly The Salvation Army, any other variations will be rejected by the bank.
Donate via Credit/Debit Card
Please indicate the following in the “Specific Use” field, below the different donation amounts:
1.“Dear Daughter”
2.The centre’s name (if you wish to donate to a specific centre/ cause only)
Please indicate the following in the “Specific Use” field, below the different donation amounts:
1.“Dear Daughter”
2.The centre’s name (if you wish to donate to a specific centre/ cause only)