Share on FacebookFamily isn’t just about DNA—it’s about love, support, and the people who show up when you need them most. One young woman’s touching letter to her adoptive father has captured hearts, reminding the world that family is built on love, not biology.
Meet Mandisa Zenaya Mlitwa and Her Pops
In a heartfelt message, Mandisa Zenaya Mlitwa writes about her father, whom she affectionately calls “Pops.” She shares how he and his partner took her in back in 2009 and have been her biggest supporters ever since.
“I hate that I have to explain myself to small-minded people,” she says, addressing those who have misunderstood their close bond. “This is my dad, guys. Him and his partner took me in, and they have been doing the most for me ever since.”
Tragically, the family lost her mother to cancer just before the COVID-19 pandemic. But through it all, her father has remained her rock, stepping up in every way possible.
Facing Judgment with Love
Despite their deep connection, Mandisa has faced unwarranted criticism, with people assuming she is in a romantic relationship with her father. But she refuses to let negativity shake her.
“I come from a loving home because of these people, and I will love them back how I know how,” she writes. “I’m not going to apologize for you guys not showing love the same way.”
She goes on to share how affection—hugs, kisses, and open expressions of love—has always been a part of her family’s way of showing care and appreciation.
A Father’s Strength and a Daughter’s Gratitude
Losing her mother was incredibly difficult, but her father took on the role of both parents, despite his age.
“My dad had to get up and be a mom and a dad at the age of 70,” she says. “And he’s been handling it like a pro.”
She credits her mother for shaping the woman she has become and acknowledges her father for continuing to guide her with unwavering love and support.
A Love That Lasts a Lifetime
More than anything, Mandisa wants the world to know how grateful she is for the parents who saved her.
“Pops, you saved me from the worst parts of myself. That is a debt I can never repay,” she writes. “I love you.”
In her eyes, she is the luckiest girl in the world to have had not just one, but two incredible parents who changed her life forever.
