May | 2022 | Dad In Training – The Practice of Parenthood

To My Youngest Daughter and Last Child,

It’s been an entire year since you first decided to join us Earthside. On one hand that’s nearly impossible to comprehend, but on the other hand it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be. You’re walking now. WALKING. Ever so eager to join your siblings in their fun, but also because you’re so keen on exploring everything about your world! Even though I’ve been through these developmental stages twice before, your approach to things is so different that it’s almost like a brand new experience. And since it is a brand new experience for you I’m amazed and delighted as you discover all the things. As ravenous as you are to move about and find your place here you are also balanced with a sense of joy and contentment. It’s as if you’re telling us “Things are okay here. I am safe and loved here and that’s all I need.” And given the absolute chaos that surrounds the walls of our home it’s nice to have a soothing reminder that at least we are okay. I can’t think of a better way to experience my last firsts with you, proving once again that you are the exact right person to come into our lives at precisely the right time.

I love you.

To My Bold and Daring Eldest Daughter,

Today you are three years old!! It hardly seems like it’s been that long since you crashed into our life like a wrecking ball in the best way possible, but here we are. Despite the circumstances around us you’ve had one hell of a year. It’s been nothing short of awe-inspiring to see you grow in so many ways, everything from your vocabulary to your emotions to your fearlessness to your infectious energy when you experience joy. You proclaim loudly to the world “I’m here and I matter!” I absolutely burst with pride when I see you succeed knowing how hard you’ve worked, how much you’ve fought, how immensely driven you are to make your place in the world.

At the same time I am so humbled as your father. I’ve had to learn and grow so much to see you, to connect with you, to ride the enormous waves of emotion and help steer the boat in which we are traveling safely to shore. I see so much of my inner child in you that as I’m learning how to parent you I’m also learning how to nurture myself. You have given me the rarest of gifts in the opportunity to become someone I didn’t know I could, and I shall cherish it forever.

Today will be a day for cake, for singing songs, for being with family, and for unrestrained joy. Basically some of the things you enjoy most in life. Let us celebrate in the best of ways and continue to bring a wrecking ball to a world that desperately needs more of what you have to offer.

I love you.