A woman who texted her dad’s phone number every day for a year received a reply on the anniversary of his death.
Losing a loved one is absolutely devastating.
During times of grief, people can rely on all sorts of coping mechanisms that may seem unusual to those on the outside.
Such was the experience of Chastity Patterson, who texted her late father’s phone for a year after his death.
But spookily, she eventually received a reply…
Patterson, then 23 years old, of Newport Arkansas, had texted her late father’s number every single day after his death.
Jason Ligons was not her biological father but was the patriarchal figure in her life.
Patterson explains on Facebook: “He never missed a school dance, prom, my games and YES he would give me long talks about my mouth and attitude. I had to introduce my boyfriends to him (If I was allowed to date) and he would act like a normal dad and give us the long talk.
“I’ve cried with him, told him everything and even became very independent because he took the time to love me and show me what happiness looks like. SO YES Jason was my father but he was a role model for many kids in our town.”
Patterson had shared huge updates with her father’s number spanning over four years, including graduating from college and even beating cancer.
But incredibly, she ended up getting a reply to her messages – on the anniversary of his death.
Patterson writes: “I text my dad every day to let him know how my day goes, for the past Four years! Today was my sign that everything is OK and I can let him rest!”
She wrote to her father on the eve of the anniversary of his death: “‘Hey Dad, it’s ME. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day again!”
Patterson obviously never expected a reply – but she got one.
“Hi sweetheart, I am not your father, but I have been getting all your messages for the past four years,” a man named Brad replied.
“I look forward to your morning messages and your nightly updates. My name is Brad and I lost my daughter in a car wreck August 2014 and your messages kept me alive. When you text me, I know it’s a message from God.”
He continued: “I’m sorry you lost someone so close to you, but I have listened to you over the years and I have watched you grow and go through more than anyone. I have wanted to text you back for years, but I didn’t want to break your heart.
“You are an extraordinary woman and I wish my daughter would have become the woman you are, thank you for your everyday updates, you remind me that there is a God and it wasn’t his fault that my little girl is gone.
“He gave me you, my little angel and I knew this day was coming. Everything will be OK, you to push yourself every day and shine the light God gave you. I’m sorry you have to go through this, but if it makes it any better, I am very proud of you.”
Patterson concludes: “I shared my messages for my friends and family to see that there is a God and it might take four years, but he shows up right on time!”
We’re not crying, you’re crying!
