Sitting by the window waiting for daddy. That’s what my daughter does every Tuesday and Thursday. They’re the only days of the week that my husband comes home in time to have dinner with us. The rest of the week he works well past Sophia’s bedtime. Every morning she stands by the window waving and screaming “I love you daddy. Have a great day. Bye, bye!” Then she turns to me and says mommy, I miss my daddy so much!  When Friday comes around she squeaks with delight because she will finally get to spend “a whole two days with daddy!”

It brings me so much joy to see my child so in love with her dad. At the same time it makes me a bit jealous. She never gets excited to see me, she never jumps up for joy when I tell her we are going to be spending one on one time together. She clearly is daddy’s little girl.

When I was little my dad spent lots of time carrying me on his shoulders. I was so attached to him that getting out of the house to go to work in the mornings became difficult for him. He would have to sneak out. If I saw him leaving I would throw a fit. I was definitely daddy’s little girl. Things changed between us when I hit my teenage years. Let’s just say he was a very strict and scary dad but I always knew he loved me. During one of our heated arguments he cried and told me he loved me and only wanted the best for me. Seeing him in tears broke my heart but it also felt good to see him show his emotions. It was out of character for him. We went through many years not having much of a connection but in time we lulled back into a more harmonious relationship. Once I got married and had my child I saw just how much he loved me. I also understood why he was so protective. My dad has always been there to share in my joys and sadness. He is not perfect, but he has always loved us and been a solid anchor for his family. I realize my father is a human being with faults just like the rest of us.
My daughter sees her dad as a superhero, a prince, the most amazing man in the world. One day she will grow up and see him for the wonderful human being that he is, faults and all.
The important part is to love each other, accept each other and continue to make great memories together.
There is still a part of me that thinks my father is a man of steel.
Happy Fathers Day to all the daddy’s who are lucky enough to raise wonderful little girls.