August 13 is a day that will live in my mind in infamy. It is the day my daughter Lindsay turned 13. I officially became a Father of Two Teenagers! Me! I mean, was it not just yesterday that she was throwing up on my shoulder and watching Barney and sticking food in her hair! Yet despite me, she has turned out to be an incredible, Godly, funny young lady. (Did I forget to add beautiful?) Watching her, surrounded by her friends and family, opening presents and crowding around the chocolate fountain made me somewhat wistful and pensive.
Over the years, other who have passed this way before me, have told me that these years pass so fast. Needless to say, I didn't really believe them. I do now. Where have the years gone? Have I been asleep at the wheel, lost in thought. While at first glance I feel like I missed out on so much, on second thought I realize that I was so close to the action that I was unable to see the bigger picture till now. I have I been so intertwined with her life that as she has grown I have been unable to see the forest for the tree.
I had always promised myself that I would not be like those other dads who miss so much of their children's lives because of work. And looking back, I think I can say that I have kept that promise to myself and my girls. I have been there for almost all of their birthdays, promotion nights in school, events and trips and holidays and all the other things I needed to be there for. I feel a sense of accomplishment in not being able to say "What if I had been there?" I was there and hopefully, always will be. Its the least I can do for my kids. I enjoyed her turning 13 and I hope to see her turn many more.
Still lighting the candles!
Traveler
3 comments:
Jeff... Thank you so much for letting us know about your blog. We read several entries... and look forward to more. Hugs to all of you from all of us. Curtis has commented so many times about how he misses you. We both miss you, all of you -- and pray that you're finding God's best for your lives -- wherever He takes you.
With love,
Paula Hansen
8hands4jesus@dslextreme.com
P.S. (Hi Deborah!!!)
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Awwww! Daddy wuvs his liddle girlz. :)
Thanks for allowing us to participate in that coming of age party. You are blessed to have great daughters and they are blessed to have a great dad like you.
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