Probably the hardest of all of these to write is for you, Miss Rose. You are my first child, and as such, you are an everyday experiment. My little laboratory of life. And what a life! It’s always a little Rosie when you’re around.
As a first-time parent, I was (am?) overly cautious with you. Yes, you’re the baby who got a new binky each time the old one dropped. Like so:
“What? Dropped the binky? On the newly mopped floor? Eww! Burn it! Buy her a new one! Can’t. Possibly. Sterilize. It. Enough!”
By the time we got to Baby Boo it was:
“What, dropped a binky? What binky? That ratty old thing? Wipe it off. Rub some dirt on it! Plug him back in.”
I hope, in time, you will forgive me for all the mistakes I’ve made raising you. Hey, as a rookie in baby-rearing, I didn’t do too bad. At least you didn’t die. Just ask your older brother!
I do hope you forgive me, but even if you don’t, your life has been a blessing to mine. For every silly game, late bedtime, terrible meal and boring ride there’s this - every time I see your face, my heart fills with joy! Every time I hear your voice, it fills me with pride! And every time I dry your tears, my heart, that was broken for your sadness, fills with undying love and gratitude that I get to experience that, too; because that is you.
You have many qualities - some good, some bad. We can't all be perfect, right? Sometimes you can be a real grouch - like Oscar on roid rage - but you always come back to earth.
I admire you for your courage in the
face of adversity. I admire you for the depth of your faithful love. I admire
you for always being there for others, even if they aren't always there for
you. I admire you for your simple wisdom and kind-hearted charity. And I am
thankful for every day that you are in my life!
My darling Rose, as you grow into the full flower of your adulthood, I hope you remember that Daddy loves you.
That I’m here for you.
That I always will be.
And that your love is the most precious gift of all.
Love Always,
Daddy
