Dear Eric: “Jim” and I had a daughter, “Helena,” who was 12 years old when her father died of cancer. Related Articles Advice | Asking Eric: Our more modest gifts drew a distressing response Advice | Asking Eric: A neighbor sees something dangerous going on next door and wants to report it Advice | Asking Eric: My (now former) bestie is consumed by his bad relationships Advice | Asking Eric: My husband wants to be the center of attention, not the grandpa Advice | Asking Eric: My friend’s wife wanted a kiss on the lips and now I’m uncomfortable around them Jim and Helena were very close, and she knew that she would receive a letter from her father on every birthday until she turned 18. When she graduated college, I surprised her with another letter.