My Dearest Katherine,
Today was an interesting day for you and for me. Today, when you told me that some random boy said that you were “hot” it was not an easy thing for me.
You’re growing up and I’m not ready for that.
I don’t know if I ever told you this, but when I was able to hold you in the hospital, I cried. Here was my little girl, someone who I was responsible for, someone that I needed to take care of, and I was scared. See, I don’t think you’ve ever seen my cry.
Today I realized that I had two choices, I could cry and complain or I could move on and grow. I can hear you getting your smart ass comment ready to go about my complaining….don’t bother. I have decided that I’m going to take the tougher path and embrace the change and grow (really).
Julius Caesar (no, not the salad dude…focus for just a sec) is historically attributed to the concept of passing a “point of no return”. Caesar crossed a shallow river in Italy, the Rubicon, and marched on his way to become Emperor of Rome! He was decisive, moved forward, and exemplified leadership. While I may not be Caesar (or Napoleon, Patton, or even Lafayette) I choose to move forward.
I want you to know that I will always love you and I will always protect you! You are a smart, funny, beautiful girl who is going to find her purpose and be amazing. I know this with all of my heart. You’ll make mistakes, have your heart broken, and at times may even feel like the world is against you. Don’t worry about any of that. You will rise above the mess and in time, cross your own Rubicon.
I’m not going to be like the other dads. Talking smack about how I’m going to intimidate the boys. Instead, I’m going to live by example and try to set a high standard. That way you’ll know immediately when some idiot boy starts acting like a fool, you’ll know not to stand for that behavior.
You’re probably wondering why I decided to write this to you now? Well let’s just say that one of your Tias gave me some great advice. Tias always give great advice, the trick is to know when to listen to them.
This won’t be the first, and I know it’s not the last time I write to you about this stuff. I know that there is lots more to say. That’s the whole point about growing and learning, you never truly stop.
I love you.
Dad
