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A woman who spent years texting her late father has revealed she received a reply on the fourth anniversary of his untimely death.
Chastity Patterson, 23, from Arkansas, said she sent her dad, Jason Ligons, a text message to his old number ahead of the 'tough day' of his death anniversary, but the last thing she expected was a reply.
She wrote: "Hey Dad, it's ME. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day again!"
The 23-year-old then went on to detail everything she has achieved in the four years since her dad passed in car accident, including graduating and beating cancer.
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But to her shock, she actually went on to receive a reply.
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.
"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.’
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"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."
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.
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"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."
Chastity went on to share the unbelievable reply on Facebook, where it quickly went viral.
She captioned the post: "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!"
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The 23-year-old added in a follow-up post: "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: Real Life
Emma Guinness