Rare News Desk
Faced with a terminal illness, Tom Attwater took advantage of the limited time he has left to leave lasting words of love and wisdom to his stepdaughter Kelli Smith.
Videos by Rare
In the video letter, shared by The Mirror, the Brit, who is suffering from an inoperable brain tumor, tells the 5-year-old some of the things he wants her to know after he’s gone. He talked about schoolwork, love, family, manners, sadness and happiness.
“You’ll have boyfriends when you’re older–much, much older hopefully,” he said. “It’s very hard to describe what it’s like to be in love.”
Kelli herself is suffering from neuroblastoma. A crowdfunding campaign aims to support any future treatment she may require.
He spoke of his regret that he won’t be able to give Kelli away at her wedding someday.
“I wonder if you’ll play what we call the family song, which is really ‘I’ll Be There’ by the Jackson 5,” he said.
Also, he told Kelli that her mother will always be a better source of guidance than her friends.
“You and your mom will argue at times, especially when you’re a teenager,” he said. “Please remember that she adores you and that she wants the b est for you.”
He said he couldn’t ask for Kelli not to be sad when he’s gone.
“I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and snuggle you until you’re happy again,” he said. “You can feel sad and use it as a driving force throughout your life or you can just be sad. You know which one I hope you’ll choose.”
