I skipped the Tuesday Night Club Ride Tuesday, thus no post about it yesterday… That was the first one I’ve missed this year, if memory serves. I had something far more important to tend to.
My daughter is smart. Like, “How did my DNA produce a kid that well put together” smart. I’m no dummy, but she’s next-level, crazy smart.
My daughter is like me in that she’s got a bit of an awkward childhood going on though. When I was a kid, I thought I was skinny and ugly… I didn’t find out that I was wrong, that i saw myself in the mirror differently than others, until my senior year of high school. Unfortunate that. I missed our on a lot of good times because I thought, incorrectly, that I was “less than” others. My girl is wrong too, of course, but there’s no telling her how truly beautiful she is…
See, here’s the problem… my Bella has a little sister who is stunningly beautiful. I mean, I’m glad I own firearms, pretty. The younger is more of a social butterfly and is wildly popular.
One day she came home in tears over their difference and it really broke my heart. I mean deep down, dad hurt. One of those where I wished I could take that pain and carry it for my girl so she’d never have to feel it again… See, my first daughter is living, breathing proof that I recovered from being a drunk, that kid is very, very special to me. She’s starting to hit her stride though. She advanced in swimming because she’s absolutely killing it, she’s starting to grow into herself, she’s well on her way to becoming a fine, beautiful, young woman.
Then, a few weeks ago, she was asked to be a part of the National Junior Honor Society. Last week, she received a letter from Northwestern University (THE Northwestern! Watch out Christopher, I may be sending her your way…) asking her to consider taking the SAT to possibly start classes early.
My daughter is twelve years old. Twelve.
Well, Tuesday night was my baby’s big night.
This was one thing vastly more important than a club ride. One of the proudest days of my life, next to the day I decided to sober up, the day I married my best friend in the whole world, the day my daughters were born…
A very big deal was made of this night. It was as it should have been. My baby is brilliant, and thank God when it came to brains, she got more of her mom’s DNA than her pops. I wouldn’t have missed that one for anything.
Bella, I am so very proud of you, of the effort you’ve put in to excelling at everything you put your mind to. You are truly awesome, kiddo. Congratulations tough girl. Keep it up.
Yep, some things are more important than a bike ride.
***A special tip for new dads: When your baby is born, while you’re giving your wife a break and when your baby is quiet or sleeping, lay down with your baby facing you and let your baby breathe on your face. Then let this roll around in your melon for a minute: You made that.
It changed my outlook on life.
Fit Recovery 
That is awesome. Congrats to all of you. Raising children is no easy task.
Andy, I figure if I do just a little bit better than my dad did with raising us, that’ll be good enough for government work. 😉
Definitely better than a bike ride!!
Indeed it is.
So fantastic!!! Congrats to Bella and besides being so incredibly smart she is amazingly beautiful.
Go Bella, that is awesome!
It always makes me smile to see dads supporting their daughters. My dad has hit a few rough patches when he became so focused on himself that he had no support to offer us kids. But now, having his support and seeing his pride in me, it means soooo much. Keep up the great work! Your family is beautiful inside and out.
Thank you so much.
How awesome! Lovely post straight from the heart. God bless you and your beautiful family.
Thank you!
There’s so much pride in this post! But it’s a good pride. Bella sounds like a great girl, and you sound like a great Dad 🙂
She’s a great kid, no doubt about it. Thank you. 😉
Awww… i love the picture of you and your family, she looks so shy with you guys so close to her, I will heed your advice and someday I hope to be a dad.
Thanks brother.
I felt this post was deep from your heart and you show it. God bless your family … one day I will ride with you.. trying to bring my fat ass over to State side maybe for good.
Thanks man… Hey, let me know when you get here and we’ll definitely hook up somewhere. Good luck in your journey, we can always use another good guy.
I like the confident looking walk – great!
First thing I noticed in the photos of her walking up to get her certificate, head high, long strides… Took me years to build the confidence to walk like that.
Congrats Jim. That must feel fantastic.
Thank you Leslie, I’m very happy for and proud of my girl.
Daughters are the best and you are double blessed. I love that last picture!
So, when you visit your daughter at Northwestern, you have a place (with bikes) to stay in the western suburbs….
I appreciate that greatly brother. 😉