You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. - Christopher Robin In the kitchen last night, as the snow fell outside and the world- our world/ local and condensed- had slipped into that rarified ethereal state of slow winter evening that comes along with storms that strand you. Arle sipped her can of beer and I sipped my little glass of red wine and we both listened attentively to my daughter, Violet, speak of things that move her.
A beautiful piece of writing. If this essay doesn’t make a reader’s eye fill with tears, they don’t have a heart. Raw and honest in the best sense. Don’t underestimate how much your daughter needs you. More than you know, but in a changing way as you shared. I think the picture you included of you teaching her to ride a bike perfectly illustrates your essay this week: you hold her steady, give her guidance, and then watch her sail off on her own with everything you taught her. It’s hard to learn to listen, especially when we think we are supposed to know the answers. Reminds of the lyric’s from Starman: “Let the children lose it, let the children use it, let the children boogie.” Your girl is finding her groove, and she’s lucky to have a proud dad who wants to grow with her. Happy Birthday to your Violet.
When you read something like this.....and don't know what to say.....well......that's a good thing. As the Dad of 2 girls, I've searched for words like this. I've never found them. I can stop searching now. Thank you my friend.
Once again you find a personal truth that resonates with others. Parenting, man, it's a journey, it's a trip. It's beautiful, and heartbreaking, and frustrating, and rewarding, and joyous, and mystifying. And if you're not a parent, it's hard to understand, even if you think you understand. And if you're an "old white guy" in the 2020's, you already feel estranged from so much of the world. You try, you keep your mind open, you embrace, but it's not our world anymore. The same as it wasn't our parents' world when we hit a certain age. And what "wisdom" we've accrued in the course of our lives thus far...? "They're immune to (y)our consultations..." But they come around. Eventually. It mightn't be until they're in their twenties. But they come around. And you're already on the right track: you listen; you care; you want to understand; and you know that three are things that you'll never understand; and that that's okay.
A beautiful piece of writing. If this essay doesn’t make a reader’s eye fill with tears, they don’t have a heart. Raw and honest in the best sense. Don’t underestimate how much your daughter needs you. More than you know, but in a changing way as you shared. I think the picture you included of you teaching her to ride a bike perfectly illustrates your essay this week: you hold her steady, give her guidance, and then watch her sail off on her own with everything you taught her. It’s hard to learn to listen, especially when we think we are supposed to know the answers. Reminds of the lyric’s from Starman: “Let the children lose it, let the children use it, let the children boogie.” Your girl is finding her groove, and she’s lucky to have a proud dad who wants to grow with her. Happy Birthday to your Violet.
Thanks a lot, Taryn.
When you read something like this.....and don't know what to say.....well......that's a good thing. As the Dad of 2 girls, I've searched for words like this. I've never found them. I can stop searching now. Thank you my friend.
Thank you, Tom. Means a lot.
Gave me the sniffles. In a good way.
Truly beautiful. Happy Birthday, Violet.
Once again you find a personal truth that resonates with others. Parenting, man, it's a journey, it's a trip. It's beautiful, and heartbreaking, and frustrating, and rewarding, and joyous, and mystifying. And if you're not a parent, it's hard to understand, even if you think you understand. And if you're an "old white guy" in the 2020's, you already feel estranged from so much of the world. You try, you keep your mind open, you embrace, but it's not our world anymore. The same as it wasn't our parents' world when we hit a certain age. And what "wisdom" we've accrued in the course of our lives thus far...? "They're immune to (y)our consultations..." But they come around. Eventually. It mightn't be until they're in their twenties. But they come around. And you're already on the right track: you listen; you care; you want to understand; and you know that three are things that you'll never understand; and that that's okay.