Girl Dads
When I was a little girl, my daddy was my hero. He could fix just about anything, and if I ever needed help, I knew just where to look. I still remember the many times I sat on his lap as he taught me the words to On Wisconsin when I was 3 years old. I recall early Saturday mornings when we would play together for hours while we let “Mommy Lazy Bones,” sleep in after a late night. I vividly remember sunny days in the pool, sipping from the hose as the juke box played, and even today, the sound of John Denver’s Country Roads takes me back to those moments as if they were yesterday.
My dad was the go-to for science fair projects, he carved the most creative pumpkins making use of many household items, and he taught me how to make salami curl around cheese in the microwave. I’m pretty sure this was the only thing he knew how to cook, but it was so revolutionary that in my mind he was a chef. He cheered me on at every dance recital and of equal importance, he helped me to understand that the overpriced bouquets of roses that my friends received from their parents were a waste of money. He took us for Slurpees on Yom Kippur, knowing that my mom would likely not approve, and he often said “yes” to any number of asks after my mom had clearly told me “no.” He played along and often lead the charge as my brother and I snuck boxes of Ex-Lax and Beano into the grocery cart and watched in anticipation as my mom explained to the checker that those items were most definitely NOT hers.
He was a kid through and through, but he was also an adult. He taught us life lessons. He instilled in us the love of learning. He could hold a meaningful conversation about the most basic or complex of subjects. He was my biggest fan. I remember how funny it seemed when he always said that I was the prettiest one in every class picture. It wasn’t until I had daughters of my own that I realized that even though he was biased, he truly believed it. He told me every day how much he loved me, but more importantly, he showed me. And the best gift he gave to me as a child was simply being present.
As I look back on my childhood, I watch diligently as the memories of my own daughters play out in front of my eyes. What will they remember when they are grown? What is it that we will do as parents that will shape them into adults?
I had always hoped for a daughter. David, as any man, had always hoped for a son. I will never forget the day that we found out that our oldest was going to be a girl. We were having lunch right before the appointment, and I asked, “If you find out it’s a boy, what will you want to teach each him?” His answer was rather unexciting, lacked emotion, and was something along the lines of, “I guess Boy Scouts, I don’t know.” He thought my question was a little corny but humored me. He then looked at me and said, “Okay, what if it’s a girl? What about you?” I immediately teared up and went into a speech of the ways that I want to teach a daughter to be bold, and kind, and strong, and to follow her dreams! It was long, emotional, and passionate. When I was done with my monologue, David smiled and said, “Ok, we need to have a girl.” And indeed we did! From that day on, Daivd was destined to be a girl dad! And when the time came, he sparkled and shined! He proudly pushed a leopard and hot pink covered stroller, walked into stores with forgotten bows in his hair, and learned the importance of matching bloomers. As the baby girls kept coming, he continued to evolve. He learned how to put in a ponytail, properly position his pinky while drinking tea, and eventually mastered the art of a proper curtsy.
Over the years, David has found new ways to connect that have taught him that girls can be even tougher than boys! He takes them on campouts with critters, bugs and snakes. He hikes with them, bikes with them, and watches Harry Potter with them! He coaches soccer, cheers them on, and is constantly encouraging them to be their best selves. Because of his influence, my 8 year-old prepares and enjoys a daily hot breakfast, and my 11 year old not only bakes but researches healthy meal options for the whole family! While the little one is not yet ready to play sous chef, he takes her for donuts and special treats on her own. He is deliberate and thoughtful, and there is no doubt in our minds that his girls (all of us) are his top priority.
David is different from my own Dad in the way he talks to, relates with, and teaches our girls, and that’s what makes this ride so exciting! The memories that he is creating with them are real and will guide them as they journey through life. They will be the memories that they look back on in 30 years with a smile. Will they feel the same sentiment I do when they hear John Denver? Likely not, but they will certainly laugh when they hear “Ice Ice Baby” and remember the day that their Daddy rolled down the windows as we blared the music and had our own rap concert as we drove down Preston Road.
It takes a village to raise strong and confident girls, and I am thankful for every Dad who has helped to shape my daughters along the way. Coaches, friends, teachers, uncles, cousins. You have all been a piece of this journey. Grandpa and Poppa, you have always been David and my heroes, and now you get to be heroes to the next generation!
The impact that a daddy has on his little girl is immeasurable. He has a power unlike any other, and on this day especially, I am thankful for the positive influence of my own daddy, who has helped to make me the person that I am today. I am thankful for the confidence you instilled in me to reach for the stars and for the continued love and support you give me daily. You love our girls completely and pass on infinite wisdom and love for life. Thank you to David’s dad for guiding him along his path that has allowed him to be the dad that he is today. Having two sons certainly did not prepare you for granddaughters, but you have adjusted well to all the pink! Thank you to David, the Daddy of our girls. You lighten up our world, and I’m forever thankful. You are their favorite Daddy, their big fella, and their constant punching bag. You are their hero, and that means everything.
