**The Heartfelt Voicemail that Became a Beacon of Hope: Ruby Foster’s Story**
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In a touching reminder of the bond between a father and daughter, 19-year-old Ruby Foster has revealed how a voicemail from her father, Justin Hage, serves as a source of comfort during both uplifting and challenging moments in her life. The voicemail, which was left during the holiday season in December 2022, took on new significance for Foster, especially as she navigated her own struggles with mental health.
The message came as Hage reflected on his own father’s passing in 2020, taking advantage of the digital age to connect with his daughter, Ruby. What began as a simple call transformed into a heartfelt declaration of love. “Hi, kiddo. I don’t know why this just popped in my head, but it did,” Hage’s voice resonated with emotion. He went on to express how proud he was of his daughter, making sure she knew how much she meant to him.
Foster shared her initial reaction to the voicemail with PEOPLE, revealing that it provided her with comfort at a time when she felt disconnected from happiness. “In 2022, when I received the voicemail, I was in the depths of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and there were not many things that I felt happy about,” she said. Listening to her father’s words of affirmation has become a ritual for her, strengthening their connection.
Reflecting on the loss of her grandfather, whom she described as a “very interesting man,” Foster noted the emotional toll that death took on their close-knit family. She shared fond memories of him, even while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of her recollections; she was only 13 when he passed away, and the most prominent memories are now tinged with the sadness of loss.
The impact of Hage’s voicemail has been profound, leading Ruby to frequently return to it whenever she needs that extra boost. “I listen to it when I’m sad, when I’m happy, or simply when I want to hear his voice,” she explained. The voicemails carry the essence of their relationship, encapsulating countless hours of philosophical discussions and everyday topics that reflect their dynamic bond.
In May 2025, Ruby’s decision to share a snippet of the voicemail on TikTok reached a much wider audience, attracting over 2.4 million views. This sharing acted not only as a testament to her love for her father but also inspired many others to consider the importance of expressing love to family members. “I have also had a few fathers comment that they are going to start leaving voicemails for their daughters,” she shared, highlighting how her story resonated with others.
Foster’s intention behind sharing her father’s sentiments was to shed light on the notion that everyone deserves to feel loved and appreciated. “I think that I have a very special opportunity to spread the message that someone out there is proud of you, whether it’s your dad or a stranger on the internet,” she stated. This heartfelt sentiment echoes with those grappling with their own experiences of loss and longing.
Ultimately, Ruby Foster’s journey showcases the enduring nature of familial love and the impact a simple voicemail can have. Through her father’s words, she has not only found solace but also a platform to encourage others to cherish their relationships. “I am so proud of everyone in my comments who has lost family, friends, and parents, because I imagine it takes a world of courage and strength to keep pushing through the impact of those losses,” she concluded.
In a world where digital exchanges have become commonplace, Ruby’s experience serves as an important reminder to take the time to affirm our connections with loved ones while they are still around. The father-daughter bond exemplified in her story continues to inspire others to express their feelings more openly and frequently.