Hey Kiddo,
I want to take this opportunity to simply express how proud I am of you. You’re a few months into 5th grade, and you’re working your little buns off in math and reading. At the end of 4th grade, you came home with a lower than anticipated reading-score, and I was a bit frustrated – and that frustration only existed because I know you can do better. As a parent, at least for me, I will never be upset with you for any reason just as long as 1) your decisions are decent and reasonable AND; 2) you try your very best. I knew you could do better – so I couldn’t let that subpar test slide. It is my job as your Dad to encourage you to reach your potential – even if that means I must make tough decisions that you may not like.
So, the agreement going into 5th grade was “you have to improve your reading score during the first quarter of school if you want to have the freedoms you so desire. Video games, basketball, etc.” And I’ll be damned kid – that first reading test was impressive – and I can see how hard you’re trying, and the added effort you’re putting into school. It makes me feel proud as your Father, and I can tell that your confidence in school is rising.
Sometimes I stare at you. I know that may sound creepy – but it’s true. When you’re doing your homework, hanging out with Peanut (our dog), playing on your computer, eating dinner or reading – I just take a moment and appreciate the young lady you’ve become. Sure, I miss the days when you weren’t as independent and needed me more – you were such a cute baby/toddler – but I’m in awe by how much you’ve grown, and how mature you are for ten-years old. You never complain, you’re filled with kindness and you’re fucking hilarious. We are similar in so many ways – but seemingly, you have taken my good qualities, and except for, at times, being politically incorrect, you’ve refrained from adopting my more challenging qualities.
You know I can be impatient at times, and I get flustered by the constant nonsense humans create each day – but you’re much more easy-going. I appreciate that about you. And, since you’ve been on this planet, and particularly with your mom and step-dad, I often, but not always, think before I speak. The last thing I want to do is make co-existing with your mom and step-dad more difficult than it should be – for all of us, especially you. But girllllllllll – I sometimes must bite my tongue – but I’d do anything for you J – even work a government job.
Each new generation should be better than the previous – and that is my goal for you, sweetheart. I am helping you become a better person than I could ever be – and in the process, you’re helping me improve. It’s so hard only seeing you half of the time – I often cry tears of joy when I think of you – and I look forward to nothing more than picking you up for our week together. I am so blessed that you’re my baby-girl, and words can’t describe just how proud of you I am. Keep being awesome.
Love,
Dad
To My Kids - The Thoughts of Your Father 