I work at an elementary school- no further explanation needed there.
And at home, there is my wife, two girls, and a female dog. I do have two male cats. Well, they used to be, anyway.
I've come to accept this fact of life, and as often as I can, I escape to guy pursuits, like collecting action figures and reading comics, watching Aggie football, punching a punching bag, and, when possible, playing sports with other guys. That last one happens, well, almost never.
Sometimes, this routine of my life gets to have a little bit of special-ness to it. Tonight is one of those times.
Around Valentine's Day, Chick Fil A has a Daddy Daughter Dinner. You make a reservation, they seat you, get your drinks, take your order and serve you at your table. It is a chance for a dad to show his daughter how a date should treat her.
My girls are far too young for the dating thing- they aren't even 30 yet- but it's still good practice for me to show my eight and six year old girls how a gentleman should act. It starts with a rose at the door, and then opening doors to cars and the restaurant, pulling out their chair as they are seated. And generally making them feel the world revolves around them.
Because for that hour or so, it does.
The most important part of the evening is not, however, teaching them what a good date acts like.
The most important part of the evening is slowing down, and enjoying the presence of two young ladies who are more special to their mother and I than they know. It is looking into their sweet, little faces and feeling a tiny stab of recognition that they will not stay this way long. It is savoring the smiles and giggles as they make an ice cream sundae and I accidentally almost squirt them with whipped cream. It is holding their tiny hands as we cross the street, not because they need me, but because I need them.
Yes, my world is filled with women. But these two, they are my responsibility, my calling. To love them, to protect them, and to teach them about how they should be treated. And in return, they teach about being loved and trusted in ways I will never deserve. They have so much of their mother in them, in that way.
If you are the father to little girls: ask your daughters out to dinner sometime, listen as they tell you about their day, watch every movement as they twirl around in their "poofy dresses," and snuggle with them on the couch as your drink your morning coffee.
They are your responsibility.
Your calling.
And one of the most special experiences a man can have.
Never take them for granted.
