It’s not that my advice to you Kate would be much different than that offered to Alex yesterday…it’s just that there would be a couple little tweaks that would be unique from a father to his daughter.  I understand that you are only four (and half) years old, and it could be some time before you every peruse your Dad’s blog and find this entry…still, it’s important for me to capture those things, that for whatever silly reason seem important now – bare with me. My nature though is to trust that when the time is right you will find these words…and when you do…close your eyes and hear my voice…feel my embrace and and see my smile – and no matter where I am let me hear you laugh.

  1. Be physically fearless…your physical strength and courage are inspiring, and for the rest of your life continue to run and jump and swing along monkey bars, and find joy and purpose in your physical abilities.
  2. Make a mess…understand that’s okay to fall down and make mistakes, learn from the bad as well as the good, and get back up and take on the world with a courageous and passionate heart.
  3. Mom and Dad are crazy…the sooner you realize that every family is a little dysfunctional, the easier and happier your life will be, and before you readily pass judgment remember that you and Alex are probably the root cause, ha.
  4. Orange hair is ridiculous…finding your path in life is not defined by the color of your hair, tattoos or body piercings – it is determined by the wisdom of your choices, the priorities you set, and the soundness of your heart and soul…honor these things and you will be incredibly happy.
  5. When a boy asks you to dance – smile and say “No thank you”…at least the first time – any boy worth dancing with will have the character to handle rejection reverently and the confidence to ask twice.
  6. No one can hurt you without your permission…recognize that you are the master of your own destiny, and that your greatness will inspire others to be mean and hurtful, so surround yourself with people who will love, support and appreciate you – ignore everyone else.
  7. You are so very beautiful…remember that real beauty is a mastery of body, mind and soul – never let any one falter or presume to be more important than the other, and invest in all of them.
  8. Be Dora…it’s big world, go explore and discover for your self that it’s a bunch of very different people who share the same values of family, community, kindness, spirit, and breaking bread…and that are their hazards, trolls and paths not worth taking – so remember to take a good map.
  9. Boys will lie to you…I can guarantee you that if they won’t repeat to me what they have said to you – they are full of shit – send’m packing.
  10. I am trying my best…to be a good dad and the best father, and that I will make mistakes, embarrass you and generally always be in a conflicted state of awe, love and distress with you…this is a fathers burden – be patient with me.

Photo by Lawrence Lewis (July 2012)

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Lawrence Lewis

“Watching your daughter being collected by her date feels like handing over a million dollar Stradivarius to a gorilla.”  ~Jim Bishop

About Lawrence Lewis

I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂