Monday, August 13, 2007

The Things That Matter

My kids are the greatest! When we arrived home from Vancouver back in late June, Thesha and company presented me with the card pictured to the left.

On the front it says, "Daddy, there's always so much going on but when my busy schedule makes me forgetful, I count on my heart to remind me what matters ..."

And then I flip it open to read, "... like telling you you're the best daddy a daughter could have."

The thing is that I know she means it ... even though it isn't as true as I'd wish. I've made a lot of regretful mistakes, particularly with her, the first child. Nevertheless, she forgives, and we move on.

I had thought to blog about the card a long time ago but the minutiae of life interposed; however, when Althegal presented me with this little plaque (to the left) this past weekend in honour of my birthday, it came back to mind and the two seemed to fit together. The plaque was meant to be a kid's gift to her daddy, but grown-up Althegal thought that it was perfect for us, and so do I.

It contains a recent picture of Althegal and me (the one below) and the following words: "Dad ... I love you Because ... you take me to the game, you tell me stories, you help me with my homework, you tuck me in at night, you love me no matter what." (You should be able to see all of this if you click on the photo to the left.)

Day 1

Both she and I know that all of those things are true, especially the last, the part about loving her no matter what. But I did read to her lots and not only took her to games but coached her through many years of softball. We learned the game together really. I learned to coach it, and she learned to play it, and I guess I'm forced to admit that she learned to play better than I learned to coach.

But the whole point is that my kids love me, and I love them. Such is the stuff of life. These are the things that matter.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a lovely post A/C. I so understand your words. We are truly blessed through our children. And I think it only gets better and better.

Gina said...

Wonderful! It is good to see such a warm and loving family! Why aren't you guys on the cover of magazines instead of Britney Spears, et al?

Anonymous said...

xoxo

~Sha

thailandchani said...

You were surprised by the comment on my site about you. Now.. perhaps you understand what I meant?


Peace,

~Chani

KGMom said...

It is a wise and fortunate father who knows his children love him, and they know he loves them!

-epm said...

May I live to be so lucky... and so loved.

Great post, AC.

Valerie - Still Riding Forward said...

Amen and I was just thinking what a joy this blog will always be to your children....



Love the pics and the cards!

Cathy said...

Awww. Very sweet, AC. It must be so nice to have daughters and now sweet Smudge.

(Did you see that Philip Gulley has a new book -"Porch Talk"? Apparently it's about 'the things that matter'.

Debra said...

What wonderful gifts from your daughters! You are blessed in many ways ...Debra

dmmgmfm said...

Your family continues to be an inspiration.

PBS said...

You always have such warm and inspiring posts! Very admirable feelings and family!

ChrisB said...

There's nothing as wonderful as having a close loving family :)

Madcap said...

Lucky girls!

Judy said...

What fun!