Thursday, October 18, 2007

Daddy-hood

I've been an isi (daddy) for three years now. I don't consider myself particularly good at it, but I do get better as time inexorably marches on. I figure by the time my daughter is old enough to have children of her own, I might be able to give her a pointer or two.

Despite my self-perceived shortcomings as a dad, I am very comfortable and happy in the role. Even the maddening moments of my daughter's childhood are precious to me and I walk around in a constant daze thinking that I was chosen - by fate or God or circumstance - to have this little being in my life.

She's a much better person than I am, perhaps because her existence has not yet included the ugliness that this world can produce. And she is smarter than I could ever hope to be. I tell her, as most all fathers must, that she can be or do anything she wants. And I truly believe that. I see in her the unspoiled potential that is what makes being human such a wonderful thing. I hope that I am around to see, experience and thrill in her successes.

Three years. I swear it cannot have been that long. Yet she's becoming a big girl so fast. Most of the time too fast for me.

Here's to you, little girl, woman-to-be, daughter and miracle. Three years. Three small steps. I'll hold your hand for as long as you want.
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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, you know what they say, "My son's my son until he takes him a wife, but my daughter I'll have for the rest of my life." I know I've found this to be true for the relationship between me and my pop. He's there for me now as much as he ever was, and I value his "daddy-hood" very much. If I were a betting sort of gal I'd place a pretty good wager that 30 years from now Kaisa-Tinuviel will have this to say about you too.

Nice blog, as always!

Kristen Martinez said...

I can't wait to someday be a parent myself. Okay, I can wait, but I know it will make me happy too. Happy birthday miss T.

Katie said...

I got a little choked up on this one, PB. Don't tell anyone, okay?