Hop Dad

Flying Away to 14

July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am 4 comments

To My Darling Daughter,

Earlier this week I gave you one of those hurried, airport drop-off goodbyes; the kind that are rushed because we are busy grabbing suitcases and holding up traffic. It was the middle of the week and I had no time to give you a proper goodbye before I needed to zoom off to my next task. As I drove away past roaring planes and into the freeway rush of zooming cars, I remembered again that in a couple of days it would be your birthday, and you would be far away. That goodbye I gave you may have seemed curt but it carried every ounce of love and concern a parent has when they send their child out of sight.

Today is your birthday and you are playing in the last volleyball tournament of what has been a very busy season. It is the final stop on a long and exciting tour for you; a tour that has featured new friendships, new physical challenges, and a growing sense of self-confidence.

It all started with you pestering me to take you to a try-out with a club I had never heard of. Fearful and bold, you stood outside of the practice facility, the first in line. When a coach came out with clipboards full of application forms to give to each parent, you grabbed ours away from me and began scribbling. When the pen they provided ran out of ink you tossed it aside, reached into your purse and pulled out your own. Nothing was going to stop you from trying out even though you were so scared you could barely speak. Parents were not allowed to observe during that 90 minute try-out, so I sat in a coffee shop across the street, practicing in my head what I was going to say to you for each of the two possible outcomes. Once I saw you get selected for the team I knew we were off on a great adventure.

Since that nervous try-out you have traveled across the state, playing in tournaments that have featured some incredible, heart-stopping matches. Sometimes you ended up a winner, and other times you saw just how much you still needed to learn about volleyball. No matter the results, I want you to know I am so very proud of all you have accomplished, and of how you evolved this season. You are a powerful, confident player who lifts your teammates with your spirit and drive.

It’s not just your sports life that consumes our time. We have spent many weekend days at Little League ballparks cheering on your favorite player, who also happens to be your brother. It feels very sweet, watching you cheer for #17 on the base paths, celebrating the wins and suffering the losses.

I say this about you every year at this time but it’s always true: this has been a year of great change. The braces are gone and your smile shines brighter than ever. After a year of incredible accomplishment in 8th grade, you walked out the door of middle school for the last time. During that school year you earned the respect of teachers and staff, your school volleyball teammates, and the friendship of many great kids. During a time when parents begin to worry about what their kids are getting up to after school, I am proud of your circle of friends. They are as engaged with their school life as you are.

As you are growing you are also taking charge of more of your life. You are showing signs of self-sufficiency but… the discipline is not there yet. Your bedroom remains a mess of clothes, books, and the occasional candy wrapper. Your bed is never made yet you can sleep in it for hours amid stuffed animals and pillows and piles of laundry. All of this epic mess might suddenly get cleaned in an hours-long effort one weekend afternoon, only to revert back to its chaotic state in just a couple of days. I consider this progress.

Your days are packed with school and sports and friendships, with very little time to catch your breath. Even so, you are handling it very well considering that you are only a few steps into adolescence. This is a difficult time for kids and I admire your willingness to talk with me about at least some of what is going on in your life. It’s not easy keeping up with you. I am proud of all that you have accomplished this year. Your curiosity and confidence continue to inspire me.

This is the day we celebrate you, my beautiful and powerful young daughter, for you are 14 years old today. You are a loving, intelligent, confident and silly girl who has found a way to flourish in a busy, challenging life. I am lucky to be your father and will always and forever be on your side.

Happy Birthday to you, my sweet Boo, my Norah Grace.

Entry filed under: Being Dad. Tags: Being Dad, Children, Dad, Family, Fatherhood, Kids, Mom, Motherhood, Parenting.