A Special Gift from God

“Mom, I think he’s the one,” the daughter excitedly bursts out. Mom tries to hold in her joy so as to not look overanxious, even though she’s doing flips in her head. Mom is there for her daughter, her best friend. Mom listens when needed, and gently gives advice. Mom and her daughter are connected, just as they were in the beginning.

Dad watches his daughter from afar. As she matures and blossoms into a beautiful young woman, he can’t help but think of all the times he pushed her on the swing – her feet almost reaching the clouds. He can’t help but think of the times he helped her with her homework – even when he really didn’t remember Algebra that well. He can’t help but think of the times he changed the tires on her car – so that she would be safe on the road. And he can’t help but think of the time he proudly watched her walk down the aisle at commencement.

A mom and her daughter plan the wedding. It will be the day of her dreams. They choose the dresses, the wedding party, the reception, the food. They get their nails done. They get their hair done. A mother and her daughter share each other’s company and each other’s time – precious time together.

Truly, Mom and daughter share a special connection – woman to woman. But Dad and daughter share a special connection as well – he is the man in her life. Dad holds her tightly in his arms so nothing can harm her. He is her rock; her strength.

As she walks down this next aisle – the wedding aisle, Dad will be there to guide her on the way – but then must carefully let her go, as she begins the next part of her journey in life. He will no longer be the only man in her life, and he lovingly entrusts her to another.

God plants the daughter in her mom and dad’s life as a seed and entrusts them to nurture, care for her and watch her grow. God stands by her mom and dad as they protect her from harm. God helps Mom and Dad keep her from growing in the wrong direction, to stand tall and to reach towards heaven.

A daughter is truly a special gift from God, and as my two friends prepare to let go of their baby girl, I wish them all the most joy that life can offer.