Random Thoughts and Musings

I have three fathers …

My biological father, who I know better now than when I was a child (But who I saw summers and holidays my whole childhood).
My stepfather who raised me but was not always kind or honorable when trying to get his point across.
And, my best friend’s father, who did not enter my life until I was in my mid-teens, but who bridged the gap between my other two fathers by showing me kindness and love and treating me the same as he did his own four children.

As a single mother who receives no “help” from her child’s father, I am Mommy, Daddy, and everything in between. This is not to say I parent alone. My best friend, my good friends, and my best friend’s family all help out when the going gets rough … or when I need a mommy time out. Lil Lady has the benefit of having uncles who adore her and consistently show up for her when a “fatherly” moment presents itself (such as dancing with her at a wedding or participating in “Daddy/Scout” functions with the girl scouts, family friends who reach out and touch base with her despite not seeing her for years, and four grandfathers who dote on her. She also has a father, who-on the rare occassion he puts forth the tiniest effort-brings the light to her eyes and the music to her heart.

I know not everyone is as blessed as we, and that some fathers are complete failures. Lil Lady’s father is not always deserving of admiration, but at least he does not abuse her or ignore her 100% of the time.

I would like to take a moment to celebrate the WONDERFUL fathers out there, whether they be traditional family men, stand-in fathers, adoptive fathers, stepfathers, fathers from afar, single fathers, or any combination of the above. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY. Kudos to all of you for doing your best to be a parent to your child(ren). And to the single mothers who are both Mommy AND Daddy, Happy Father’s Day as well.

xoxo

It amazes me that a child can grow so swiftly right under your nose. I SEE the changes, I note them, I positively reinforce them time and time again. I celebrate each and every step that comes with growing up.

And still, I am surprised that I have a thirteen year old child. l remember countless times over the last few years where various people looked at her and said, “she could pass for a teenager.” Two Halloween’s ago, she dressed as a pirate and several people told her she was too old to be trick-or-treating at 16 or 17. Yikes!

Now, suddenly, she is a teenager.

I say this not only with incredulity, but pride, admiration, and love.

This little lady is the child I bore, the baby I swaddled, the toddler I chased, the preschooler I taught to read, the young girl I spoiled rotten.

How I love her.

(The original photo is a beautiful picture of her dancing with her Uncle M [my boss/friend/BFF’s bro] … she felt so grown up and special. Thank you, M. She cherishes you.)

So from here forth, she shall be known as Lil Lady. I have been using it on and off this week on several social websites, testing the nickname, and making sure it sounds right. I think it is a perfect fit.

xoxo