Daughter, Another Word for Love!

I never thought I would live past 25 years of age, let alone, marry and have children. And I'm quite certain that I never figured on having as many daughters as I do. With that said, I did not regret having them, even though they have been far more challenging to raise then our only son. Daughters bring you great joy as a father and great pain. When my middle child was about 12, I told her that one day she would leave our home for college and later for a life of her own, perhaps even a husband. And then I told her that I loved her enough to let her go when that time came. I never knew how happy I would be for her when that time arrived and how sad I would feel at closing that part of my life with her in order to make ready for a different type of life that included her and her new husband. And even though my heart was breaking on the day that I gave my daughter, the "bride" away to her groom, I loved her enough to do it.

It has been over a year since that event and I still feel a tug on my heart strings when I pass her old bedroom in our home, knowing that her home is now somewhere else. Yet this was God's plan from the very start and who am I to argue with him? I only wish there was a class or a course somewhere that taught fathers how to deal with such events. I am so thankful for my wife, because without her this type of event would be unbearable.

And yet when all is said and done, I have been more than fortunate to have such a daughter as her. I have always believed that children have their own personalities even before they are born as they grow in the womb. Many an expectant mother would tell you they can feel that personality. And this child was one of the few to be born with a smile on her face. Those memories will always be a treasure to me as they should be. I only hope other fathers have the same opportunity I have had to have such a wonderful daughter.

Thank You Melissa, your Dad will always Love You!