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.)



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.