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
Well what a beauty in all her 11-year old girl hair. Never, ever listen to When I Was A Boy by Dar Williams.
ReplyDeletewow, 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday LFG. It's wonderful how much yo Daddy loves you!
ReplyDeleteThe numerologist in me has to say that 11 is a very good age - so here's to a fabulous year for LFG.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
Happy Birthday, Little Angel!
ReplyDeleteHappy 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!
ReplyDeleteHere's to wonderful times on your birthday!
Elizabeth (a little old lady friend who was blessed to have such a daddy, too!)
I never looked that dapper bringing any of my three home from Sibley.
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
JRC
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...
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday LFG!!
ReplyDeleteYour little golden-hair grows lovelier every day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteA very touching post. You are a lucky man, and she is fortunate to have you as her father. Wonderful. Reggie
ReplyDeleteShe is a lovely, wonderful young lady! And you have more and more fun to come!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post about your lovely young lady.
ReplyDeleteThose first 11 years go by quickly, don't they.
please add all of my best wishes to what everyone else has said!
ReplyDeletexo
m*town
Happiest of birthdays to date, LFG. You've already got the greatest gift of all.
ReplyDeleteC
What Meg said!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday indeed, and many happy returns!
ReplyDeleteParents are so lucky, I do not know what I would do without my dynamic duo.
Cheers!
Happiest of birthdays to LFG!!
ReplyDelete(Having google issues...this is SP)
Happy Birthday LFG -- hope all your birthday wishes come true - when it comes to Pops, yours is the Tops. You're Blessed.
ReplyDeleteJune birthdays are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMany many happy birthdays to the very lucky girl.
Happy birthday LFG!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much--to all of you--for the kind words about LFG. I promise to be just as mawkish in the future!
ReplyDeleteHappy 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
ReplyDeletePlease wish Miss LFG a happy belated birthday from me, Mr. ADG.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy, happy birthday Miss LFG!
ReplyDeletePlease remember how much you love her, when she turns 13.