fathers and their daughters

Toni's blog touched my heart and reminded me of this wonderful thing that happened this weekend.

Rob and I went to a Ducks Baseball game - GREAT FUN and i recommend it to anyone. Its very family oriented and they encourage kids to participate in activities on and off the field. At $10 a ticket you really CANT go wrong. I remember Rob saying "This is what makes baseball the greatest American past time". I had to agree. It's these small minor league baseball games that truly make this an affordable family outing. The players are here to play the game and there's no corporate bull$#*%. If you have ever seen that Gina Davis film "A League of Their Own", you'd know exactly what i am talking about.

Anyway, we found our seats after walking around for a while. Introductions were made - the players lined the first and third baseline, everyone was pumped up and ready for a new season and a great opening night game.

A young girl stood at home plate. She couldn't have been more than 13-14 years old. The camera was pointed on her and when she was given her cue, she stood up straight and smiled. The announcer bellowed out.

Please stand as we pay tribute to America with the Star Spangled Banner.

Everyone stood in silence. The girl took a deep breath and began singing like an angel. I couldnt believe the sounds that were coming from her tiny little body.

As she neared the end of the song, people began to cheer - myself included. And at her conclusion, the pitcher and the other players began to take the field and I turned to sit in my chair. The man sitting two seats from me (with the seat between us empty) turned to me and said "Thats my daughter". His voice was full of pride and literally... a tear was falling from his eye.

I just wanted to tell someone that, he said.

I'm glad you did. Your daughter has a beautiful voice. You should be very proud.

I wanted to reach out and hug the guy. He just kept repeating "That's my daughter". My eyes got a bit watery and i stood there trying not to stare at him but i couldn't help myself. I related to the situation remembering when I used to ride horses. Dad was so proud. I was about the same age as this young lady - 13 or 14 years old. He would come out into the paddock and encourage me to get over those jumps with my crazy lunatic horse Samantha. And when company came over he would show me and Sam off to all his friends and family. I was his princess and he was my daddy. It seem so cliche but it truly was a special bond and still is.

My dad would do anything for me and the last year and a half was a true testament to that. Both he and Mom helped me through some rough times. He was the idea man when I needed a solution but my head was so boggled by emotions that I couldnt think straight. He was a stern voice pushing me to keep moving forward. He was support when money got tight. But best of all he was a hug when things got overwhelming.

I remember....

We were standing in my kitchen two Christmas's ago. My divorce was still in negotiations and my house was for sale. I lived there on my own and my life seemed upside down. I didnt know which way to look. But I wanted to have one last Christmas in my house before I had to sell it. Dad came over early in the day and as we have been for the last few years, we began cooking some Argentinian specialty food for a family meal that was to take place at my Aunt's house that evening. It was just the two of us. He was busy at the stove wildly stirring and trying to think of what was next. I stopped in the middle of the kitchen thinking this was the last time we would do this here. I wanted to engrave it my memory forever. But then i began to cry. Just a tear or two. But i could feel it welling up inside. Dad saw the look on my face, grabbed me and said "Dont worry. It will be ok. You'll get through this."

That was all i needed and somehow he knew it.