A young woman spent years texting her late father's phone number when one day she got an unexpected reply.
On the fourth anniversary of his death, Chastity Patterson text her dad's number to tell him what a difficult day it would be.
"It's been 4 years since I lost you and not a day goes by that I don't miss you," she wrote.
"A lot has happened in that small time, but I'm sure you know since I tell you all the time."
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In the lengthy message, Chastity went on say that in the years since her dad's death, she'd beaten cancer, graduated college, fallen in love and had her heart broken, hit rock bottom and 'lost all [her] friends', but that someone had came into her life and 'saved' her.
Of course, Chastity wasn't expecting a reply... but she received one.
It read: "Hi sweetheart, I am not your father, but I have been getting all your messages for the past four years. I look forward to your morning messages and your nightly updates.
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"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.
"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."
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The stranger then described her as an 'angel' and said he was proud of her for everything she has achieved.
"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 continued.
"He gave me you, my little angel and I knew this day was coming. Everything will be okay, you to push yourself everyday 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."
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I'm not crying, you are.
Chastity went on to share their heartwarming exchange on Facebook, with the post going on to gain a lot of traction online.
"I text my dad everyday to let him know how my day goes, for the past four years! Today was my sign that everything is okay and I can let him rest," she captioned the sweet social media post.
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Adding: "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 shared my messages for my friends and family to see that there is a God and it might take 4 years, but he shows up right on time!"
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: Social media, Life, Real Life, News, US News
Niamh Shackleton