I've watched two dad's give their daughters away in marriage. I've watched two men struggle with paradoxically coexisting emotions of joy and sadness as they walked down the isle. The smiling girl on their arm was both three and twenty, a little girl still waiting up at night to see their dad come home and a grown woman ready to move on with another man.
My wife's uncle Steve was blown away and visibly shaken during his daughter's wedding rehearsal tonight. After walking her down the isle, he sat down in the seat beside me and watched my youngest daughter playing in the grass. I've never seen him so thoughtful. After a few minutes, he turned to me and said, "It all goes by so quick. I wish I had done more with my kids when they were growing up. They're all grown and leaving now. Make sure you get in all you can while they're still young." I agree Steve. I agree. It scares me.
I guess that's why I try to, as a friend once said said, looking back, "say yes more than you say no." When either of my daughters asks to jump on me, play with me, or wants their nails done, I try to see the time that's short. That's why they know, if they persist, I will gladly lay down pride, my lack of sleep, homework, or TV to play some cards, dress the dolls, or wear a funny hat to tea.
