Our family will exit our car and as we're walking into wherever it is that we're going, my husband will grab my daughter's hand with Tobias and I trailing behind.(No, I don't grasp onto Tobias's hand so that we, too, can walk in a similar manner. That would be very weird, even if he would allow it.)
So there I am, walking behind my man who is holding the hand of a younger and thinner version of myself.
Am I okay with that?
Absolutely.
I cherish them both so much and am overjoyed to witness their genuine adoration of each other.
Someday, I'll have my place back, walking hand in hand with my husband, but for now I gladly make room for my daughter. (Don't any of you other ladies get any ideas, though. ;) )
At thirteen, Delaney is only benefited by the attention of a caring, protective man who has no ulterior motives. His treatment of her is teaching her what she should expect from any man who desires her attention: respect, attentiveness, gentleness, appreciation.
I want her to compare what she has with her dad to what she has with every prince or jester who comes along and send the foolios packing.
Oh God, may she be ruined for any lesser loves.
5 comments:
As a Father of a three year old I really appreciate your post! I've already told my girl Lyli Hope that the only requirement I have for her future love is that he has to love her more than than I do. That is a high benchmark because my love for her is like the Great Wall of China ... long, wide, tall, and impregnable!
Thanks, Lyli's Dad, for chiming in. I think you're choice of profile name says it all. :)
Newsflash! Upon reading this post, Jeff informed me that it is usually Delaney who initiates the hand holding and that makes it even more precious (if that's possible) in his mind. So sweet...
Ahhhh, I love this post girl. As the mama of two little girls who have there daddy's hands wrapped firmly in theirs I totally get your view point. I too am in awe of how my husband gently guides and loves them like the Lord and thus sending them the message that nothing less will do. Dan takes our girls on official "dates" once a month so they understand the value of a door being opened and what time and respect look like.
This is beautiful. If only all fathers understood that they are setting the bar for other men in their daughters' lives.
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