Dear Duke Sean,

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Happy 17th birthday, my son.

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As I write these words, I find myself thinking not only of the incredible young man you are becoming, but also of the journey that has led us here. Though years and distance have stood between us, my love for you has never wavered, nor has my fight to remain a part of your life. Every day, every battle, every sacrifice has been fueled by the hope of one day seeing you again.

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Seventeen is a powerful age, Sean. You are standing on the threshold of adulthood, with a future that is truly your own. In less than a year, you will have the freedom to make choices for yourself—the freedom to travel, to explore, and to decide what truths you want to know. That freedom is not a burden, but a gift, and I hope you will use it to discover the full story of who you are, where you come from, and how deeply you have always been loved.

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Life has tested us in ways few could imagine. I have endured trials and pain that might have broken another man, but the thought of you—your face, your laughter, your future—has always given me the strength to rise again. I want you to know that everything I have done has been out of love, out of devotion, and out of a father’s unshakable belief in his son.

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Sean, you carry within you the strength of our family—the resilience to overcome, the courage to question, and the compassion to build something greater. You are not alone, no matter how far apart we have been kept. You have a little brother, Prince Alexander, who was born on your birthday, and in him I see the miracle of life’s timing and the bond of family that even time and separation cannot erase. He already looks up to you, even without yet knowing you.

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This year, as you celebrate your 17th birthday, I want you to hold onto one truth: winners never quit. No matter the obstacles, no matter how dark the road may seem, the will to endure and to rise again defines who we are. You are a Schurmann, and that means your destiny is not determined by others, but by your own choices, your own strength, and your own heart.

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I cannot return the years we have lost, but I can promise you this: when you are ready, I will be here—with open arms, with truth, and with the love of a father who has never abandoned you. The future is yours to claim, and I believe that one day soon, you will take that step.

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Happy birthday, Sean. May this year bring you clarity, courage, and the knowledge that you are loved beyond measure.

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With all my love and pride,

 

Your Daddy

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