Friday, June 24, 2011

Eleven Years Ago Today…

I’m amazed LFG, that it’s been eleven years. We have an issue at hand that quite frankly; I don’t know what, if anything to do about. I’ve reckoned on countless occasions that if you had a few brothers and sisters, I’d at least be able to spread the issue across other evolving lives that on occasion, might need some of my shepherding influence. But you are a solo act my girl…and an incredible one at that. And the issue at hand is that I love you so completely and with such depth that certainly at some point, the purity and richness of it is just gonna do me in. Probably the first time some boy with dookie on his shoes tries to kiss you. Yep. That’s it LFG…but then again probably not. For I’m certain that as a result of this issue…this gift of love that I’m convinced is a primal thing that only parents can feel…I’m gonna be done-in over something on a regular basis for the next forever. Please know my love; that I’m up for it and I wouldn’t trade the task for anything.

Today marks your eleventh year on the job…the job of being the greatest daughter a father could ever desire. But what happened? It seems like only yesterday that I scooted home from Sibley Hospital…shaved, showered and donned a pink pocket square for the “baby comes home processional”. Some say that I need to make certain that I love you responsibly. That I love you in a way that's certain to yield an independent, loving, self sufficient young woman with an abundance of life skills at the ready for navigating without me...That I don't love you in a way that makes all other men unworthy. Well we will just have to see about that one young lady. 
Wasn't it two weekends ago that I gave you a bottle down at the dock in Old Town Alexandria? …you, the little milk-vacuum in khakis and keds. And now you’ve the audacity to grow up with such grace, focus and silly-girl aplomb that your fifth school year saw you make only one B on your report card.

So here’s to you… 
My little soccer girl...
My tiny dancer...
My thespian...
My chef...
And silly devotee of your own culinary output...
My designer and project manager...
...for the Hello Kitty Bedroom re-do.
My discerning comrade in managing the ins and outs of drawer pulls and bedroom doorknobs...
My ardent fan who giggled instead of pouted when my first attempt ended up with the in where the out shoulda been...
My sidewalk chalk artist...fancier of no-consequence monograms. I love you LFG...
My partner in the pursuit of fuzzy...realizing that these fuzzy-diced shoddings also enabled another child's feet to be shod...
The rising sixth grader so full of happiness and pride. Comfortable knowing that you have a mother and father who love you more than anything...
The young woman you are becoming. Where's my little girl?

Happy Eleventh Birthday LFG. I couldn't be prouder.

Onward, with love...

Dad

29 comments:

LPC said...

Well what a beauty in all her 11-year old girl hair. Never, ever listen to When I Was A Boy by Dar Williams.

Anonymous said...

wow, beautiful. mine is 18 mos now and i already marvel at how much she has grown. can't imagine 11 yrs...or 18 years....uggh. why can't they just stay tiny and cute...and manageable? thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I think it's great that you set the bar so very high. Why shouldn't your daughter expect to be treated that well? Obviously you are also a stickler for good manners and not taking things for granted. Combine all of this and it's a win win. Happy Birthday to LFG.

Nelle Somerville said...

Happy Birthday LFG. It's wonderful how much yo Daddy loves you!

Anonymous said...

The numerologist in me has to say that 11 is a very good age - so here's to a fabulous year for LFG.
The only child in me has to say that your tribute to LFG made me cry.

Happy happy birthday dear LFG! Your hair looks just out of this world! Love the color combo on the three-drawer chest.

ilovelimegreen (who can only post anonymously for an incomprehensible reason; this has happened before and usually I give up but not this time.

James said...

Happy Birthday, Little Angel!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to a beautiful girl who has got to be the luckiest girl in the world to have such a great daddy who happens to be the luckiest daddy in the world, too!

Here's to wonderful times on your birthday!

Elizabeth (a little old lady friend who was blessed to have such a daddy, too!)

Anonymous said...

I never looked that dapper bringing any of my three home from Sibley.

Best regards,

JRC

Main Line Sportsman said...

Ya know what Buddy...it actually just keeps getting better....like when my oldest called last week to say she got her Maryland Boating license so she could drive the waterski boat in her counselor job at camp....she said she HAD to call me first...

Suburban Princess said...

Happy Birthday LFG!!

Gail, northern California said...

Your little golden-hair grows lovelier every day.

Richard M said...

Happy Birthday!!

Reggie Darling said...

A very touching post. You are a lucky man, and she is fortunate to have you as her father. Wonderful. Reggie

Sandra said...

She is a lovely, wonderful young lady! And you have more and more fun to come!! xoxo

Belle de Ville said...

What a lovely post about your lovely young lady.
Those first 11 years go by quickly, don't they.

pigtown design said...

please add all of my best wishes to what everyone else has said!

xo
m*town

Easy and Elegant Life said...

Happiest of birthdays to date, LFG. You've already got the greatest gift of all.

C

Anonymous said...

What Meg said!

Scale Worm said...

Happy Birthday indeed, and many happy returns!
Parents are so lucky, I do not know what I would do without my dynamic duo.
Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Happiest of birthdays to LFG!!

(Having google issues...this is SP)

Silk Regimental said...

Happy Birthday LFG -- hope all your birthday wishes come true - when it comes to Pops, yours is the Tops. You're Blessed.

Toad said...

June birthdays are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many many happy birthdays to the very lucky girl.

Young Fogey said...

Happy birthday LFG!

I know what you mean about time flying with the not-so-little-anymore ones. I strive to enjoy my children as they are now, never knowing when today's everyday occurrences will become mere memories. Your posts on LFG remind me to do that.

The Uppity Puppy said...

I'm sitting in Tel Aviv crying like a baby half a world away, but can sense the purity of your father-love. LFG is one perfect, and lucky little girl. Happy Birthday!

ADG said...

Thanks very much--to all of you--for the kind words about LFG. I promise to be just as mawkish in the future!

Summer is a Verb said...

Happy Birthday LFG. Auntie Summersverb is here if you ever need help with those birthday gift wish lists. I coulda negotiated you a pair of Toms AND some Jack Rogers...XXOO

Hilton said...

Please wish Miss LFG a happy belated birthday from me, Mr. ADG.

CeceliaMc said...

The adage, "A son is a son till he gets him a wife. A daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life", is a true one.

Patsy said...

Happy, happy, happy birthday Miss LFG!

Please remember how much you love her, when she turns 13.