8

my daughter is 8 years old. whoa. she plays softball. she reads at a 4th, 5th grade level. she's better than i at the Wii (don't tell her i wrote this). she's articulate. she's funny. and i'm incredibly proud of her.

its a little strange, being the father of an 8 year old girl. i almost wrote "little girl." but she's not so little anymore. it has passed so quickly. i see her every other weekend. i try to get out north to see her. i feel like i miss so much not being there every day. yet, our bond remains strong. there are times i don't feel grown-up, or capable of being a father of such a mature child. i am. i know i am. but... before i know it, she will be applying for college. craziness. her decision-making skill, her ability to think, her ability to think rationally an clearly has been taught, the foundation created. i didn't think it would happen so fast. she is who she is, who she will be. i think there is a feeling of hopelessness, or powerlessness, that i have little control over her future. should i? or do i trust her to make her own decisions? she's 8! so much to think about. all i really want is for her to feel free to pursue her dreams, without restriction. how can i do that? money? space? without judgement? greater exposure to other culture? more mariners games? less ice cream? she's the best. i miss her. and i look forward to witnessing her grow...life is good.