Hi. Have we met before? I’m your dad. I remember playing with you while you lay on the floor, unable to crawl or even roll over yet…your tiny hand squeezing my finger with all your might. I remember your soft breath as you lay on my chest, sleeping ever so soundly. I remember crying at your side in the PICU after open heart surgery left you helpless at only 11 months of age. I remember your first steps…your first scraped knee…your first words…your first solo bike ride. I remember you calling out to me for help in the dark…kissing your boo boos and hugging you close when your friends were mean. I remember dancing with you as an infant to help you fall asleep…can still recall the words to our song. I remember reading your favorite book over and over again…and again…and again. I remember watching your favorite movies so many times that I can still recite them verbatim to this day…10 years later. I remember driving you two hours round trip through lifeless Kansas at two in the morning just to help you fall asleep. I remember when tucking you into bed meant butterfly kisses, bumblebee kisses, frog kisses, and looking for the alligators in your ears.
You wouldn’t remember most of that. And that’s okay. I wouldn’t expect you to. You’re twelve now…becoming a young woman…independent…strong-willed and determined. I wake up some days and don’t recognize the girl you’ve become…the woman you’re becoming. In my world, you’re still that little girl who needs her mommy and daddy for everything. Some days, I don’t know who this woman pushing back against us with all this attitude, sass and anger is…I don’t recognize who the young woman I’m looking at is. Hi. I’m your dad. Have we met before?
Love,
Dad
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I remember a lot of the same things: the excitement on your faces the first Mother’s Day and also that touch of fear wondering if you were truly ready for this next phase, being a parent but also yours and JU’s determination to be the best of the best. I remember the hours playing “dress up” the day you moved into your new home. I remember this child rushing up the stairs every time I came to visit shouting “Granny!!! I missed you!!! So many memories. So much unconditional love shown to all who entered this young life. I could go on and on but your memories far outshine mine. Suffice it to say this child is truly loved and very loving Granny kisses, Granny hugs and Granny love go this dear child, and to the siblings. Love.