I recently wrote a blog about my son entitled, “It’s Time To Become A Man.”  As a dad for over twenty-five years you would think it would get easier, it doesn’t.  It’s not worse, just different.  Today I’m writing about another phase in our life.  Paula and I have poured much into our children and she loves them as much as I do.  There is something special about the love of a mother that no one can duplicate. With that said though, there is a special bond between a dad and his daughter.

This past week, our daughter Lauren, became engaged.  I remember when she was a little girl wanting her to be a daddy’s girl.  She would have nothing of it.  One day as an elementary girl, she came home and I saw she was wearing a necklace that said, “Daddy’s girl.”  I had finally arrived.

Thinking over what is happening in her life, I realize that this is part of the dream of a little girl, but it is also the fear of a dad.

1-      As a dad I fear losing her heart to another, but she has dreamed of giving part of her heart away to another.

2-      As a dad I feared if she could find someone to protect her like dad, but since a girl she has dreamed of a man who could protect her like her dad.

3-      As a dad I feared I would lose her one day, but as a girl she has dreamed of having another man who would love her unconditionally just like her dad.

4-      As a dad I feared that she would not find a man who would want to serve God with her, but as a girl she has dreamed God would send just that kind of man.

5-      As a dad I feared one day I would not be needed any longer, as a girl she dreamed of a man who would treat her the way her dad has treated her.

She has been in Colorado spending time with her boyfriend’s parents.  Paula and I surprised her and along with his parents were able to be nearby when he proposed.  At the base of the Colorado Rockies something big happened…a daddy’s fear became a daughter’s dream.

 By the way, I am needed…to pay for the wedding!