Stier Clear: Fathers and Daughters

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Fathers and Daughters

To say I am a Daddy's girl is an understatement. When I was little I always cried for him when I was hurt. I spent much of our time together on his lap. He was the funniest, the smartest, the strongest, the BEST! I still think that way. It wasn't until recently that I realized how mutual these feelings are. (Well, I'm not sure about the smartest or strongest but I'd like to think the others) I realized this through Pat's relationship with Lily. I see a father and daughter differently now.

When Pat and I were married, as we were presented to the congregation, my eyes immediately turned to my parents. I vividly remember my Dad's reaction, I saw a smile through tear-filled eyes. At the time I thought those were purely tears of happiness, love and pride. Now I wonder? Now that we are parents ourselves, I imagine some of those tears were tears of sadness. The day your daughter, that has always relied one you, starts her life with another man must be hard. You are no longer her one and only. When the day comes for Lily to marry the man of her dreams, I imagine it will be bittersweet.

These thoughts came to me a few weeks ago when we were listening to ZBB's new album. About half way through, I'll Be Your Man the lyrics started to sink in and before I knew it tears were streaming down my face.

You're gonna make the finest momma someday
Some man will take you away
But until then
Chase down your dreams
Laugh all the time and believe
That love's gonna conquer all things
So until then
I'll be your man

There was a time when I thought I knew love until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying but you're always gonna be my baby girl

So as you walk through this life you will see
The world's what you want it to be
But until then
Go on and dance, dance like there's no one around
Never stop singing out loud
And until then
I'll be your man