OK.  I know how "non-macho" the title of this blog sounds.  But, it's my blog and I can name it anything I want!  I was recently reminded once again how important it is for us dads to be involved in the lives of our daughters.  As I sit in my office typing this I am struck with the reality that this year will probably mark the last year I get to be my little girls "prince charming" for Valentine's Day.  For the past 15 years I've been the only "man/boy" in my little girls life (well with the exception of her brother, granddads, and uncles...but you know what I mean).  She is not allowed to date until she is sixteen (to which she has been very obedient), but that day is quickly approaching.

For the past fifteen years it has always been my habit to buy her a box of candy; maybe a stuffed animal (whatever her animal of choice for that year has been); I've sent flowers to her school; I've even bought her jewelry (inexpensive less my wife gets upset); always cards and an assortment of Valentine's Day candies (hearts, kisses, etc.).  I've even been known to take her out on a special "daddy-daughter-date" from time-to-time over the years.  So when this year rolled around I was struck with the self-induced reality that my teenage daughter probably didn't want a lame gift from her ancient dad.  The stuffed animals, flowers, and candy would just be an embarrassing reminder that she wasn't allowed to have an official "dude" for another few months.  With this in mind I kept my purchases low-key.  No card or flowers this year just a little stuffed bear (that when you squeezed it made a kissy, smoochy noise and blurted out the words "I love you" in a squeaky electronic voice) and a little box of chocolates. 

Since Valentine's Day fell on Sunday this year I thought I would just wait and give her these gifts after church later in the afternoon when we were all home.  Praise God my wife corrected my dull and thick-headed blunder.  My wife insisted that I give my little girl her gifts before church, so she could "show-them-off" to her friends.  What?  Certainly she wouldn't want to share that her "daddy" had gotten her these gifts; especially in light of the fact that most of her friends all had boyfriends and had certainly received much better Valentine's Day gifts.  Not understanding or agreeing with my wife I reluctantly called Dakota (my daughter) out to the living room and presented her with the smoochy bear and box of chocolates.  My wife is a very smart woman.

To make a long story as short as I can, Dakota hid the chocolates (didn't want to share those with her friends) and attached the bear to her purse and left to go to church with me that morning.  If she showed one person she showed everybody that silly 'ole smoochy bear and proudly told them that her "daddy" had gotten it for her.  After church that morning I received permission from my wife to take Dakota to lunch (just me and her) and spent a couple hours that afternoon with just my little princess. 

Dads remember, your daughter is looking for love.  If she can't find it from you she will find it somewhere.  I have a great little girl who is growing into an awesome young woman.  While I have taught her many life-lessons over the years, she taught me a valuable lesson this past Valentine's Day.  All our "kids" desire is our undivided attention and unconditional love.  They just want to know that they are loved; that they have value; that someone cares.  I am praying that I get at least one more year to be her Valentine, but I'm certain that some young knuckle dragging caveboy will have that honor next year.  What I do know is that the young knuckle dragging caveboy will have some pretty big shoes to fill, because I've done my best to set her expectations very high.  And in case she ever reads this very non-macho titled blog I want her to know that "I love her very much and I'll always be around to be her Valentine's."  I love you Dakota....

Dad!



Dad & Dakota at Fall Creek Falls (October 2009)                            Dakota at the base of the big falls (October 2009)