Saturday, February 13, 2010

A Father and His Daughter

As we walked into a restaurant today at lunch, I noticed a man and his daughter sitting at the bar in a local restaurant.  I was just drawn to them. They were sitting side by side, and as Steve and I sat down waiting on our food, I observed them as they talked.  They were sitting so close, you couldn’t have put a piece of paper between them.
The young lady was probably 13 years old, and she was telling her dad a story, something personal she had experienced.  She was very animated, and you could tell whatever had happened had touched her deeply.
Her dad was very calm, and never took his eyes from her face.  He heard every word daughter said, and daughter knew it, with all her heart.  When he started talking to her (and not in correction), she visibly calmed and listened to him - their conversation never missed a beat.  They were definitely in their zone.
It was a very cool thing to watch.
She got up, and walked past our table to refill her drink.  I said, “She’s beautiful!” Steve commented that the daughter might have some attitude, as she flounced by him.  I had a clearer view of her from where I sat, and I said, “Maybe, but I think it’s more “confidence” than “attitude”. She knows she’s her daddy’s daughter, and she’s cool with that - and in her God-given place.  Watch.”  

So, we did.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, this father with his daughter.

"Daughters" by John Mayer
I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left
Cleaning up the mess he made
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A womans good, good heart
On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too



14 comments:

Ash said...

My only regret to not having a daughter - I know my husband would've been an incredible Daddy to his little girl.

This lady is so very lucky.

Unknown said...

I am in tears! that was just a lovely post Janie!

The Wine Commonsewer (TWC) said...

Love this.....

Course I have an eleven year old House Blond, so it's right up my alley (so to speak).

Terri aka Pepsi's Mom said...

My Dad was killed in a farming accident when I was 3. What I wouldn't give to have had a moment like that.......

Irish Gumbo said...

I hope and pray every day, that I am being the best daddy I can be to my Wee Lass.

Beautiful post, Janie. Thank you

Far Side of Fifty said...

If only all Fathers were so in tune to their daughters..this young lady is really lucky! Great post:)

SSP said...

that was lovely......i love watching people in conversation like this....thank you for painting it so vividly!!

Vodka Mom said...

i miss my dad.




xxx

Geo said...

Never mind all that. I'm glad you are back on your feet again!

♥ Braja said...

I love watching people, and finding one who has something so sweet to watch is a treat, isn't it.....

Anonymous said...

Daddy's little girl... nothing beats that feeling. Sounds like she's a well balanced child. Oh what great parenting does!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

thisisme said...

Gorgeous post Janie - and great to hear you are out and about again

Anonymous said...

Lovely. Simply lovely.

Stu Pidasso said...

been a while since I've been here, Janie; and I am glad I came when I did. This post is wonderful. As hard as I try to stay connected with my daughter and son, and as many obstacles as I have to endure while doing it; do I have any choice? If I want the best for my kids I have to try my best to be my best. I am lucky, as I feel like I have this kind of relationship with my daughter (and son). I want her to be able to pick a better mate than her mother did.

And John Mayer rocks!