So, today is a special day. The day I became a father for the very first time. And, my daughter obviously loved the comfort of her mother’s womb- she took a calendar day (and then some) to enter this world.
It’s hard to remember those first moments. Especially, since her Apgar score was 1. She was whisked away before we even got a good look at her. But, that was only a temporary setback. She is one terrific kid (she won’t like that term, I know)- as are my other children.
Her birth meant I had to stop using my bicycle as my primary mode of local transportation. There was no way she was going to be safe on that bike. And, my super-duper Panasonic (yes, really) molybdenum speed bike was put aside. Only to decay over the next five years, as it stood lonesome by our residence. But, she (my daughter) was worth it.
Being the night owl (ok, the low-sleep requiring) human that I am, I had the pleasure of providing her night feedings. Like I did with my other two children. And, thankfully, Charlottesville had just acquired cable service the time of her birth. So, I could watch CBS News Overnight (with Charlie Rose) with her cradled in my arms, as we rocked back and forth together and she devoured her milk.
Her bat mitzva (the actual Hebrew date was Saturday, four days ago) was a perfect presentation. From start to finish, she did it all- with poise and grace.
Here’s what I had to say on that day (it will open full screen if you click on the document)…
She has. And, now, she’s a mom of her own. Finding out all those little things that mean so very much.
Happy Birthday, Shosh. I love you.
Hi Roy,
That’s a beautiful tribute to your daughter. She is very lucky to have you as a father.
It’s a also a very interesting account of Jewish traditions. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Madonna
Thanks so much for the visit and comment, Madonna!
Roy
Yom Huledet Same’ach! (I hope I did that correctly) What a wonderful post, Roy. It brought tears to my eyes, and what a loving example of the love of a father for his daughter. Makes me miss my own. I didn’t think it could happen but you just raised three more bars in my esteem making it a thousand times harder for other men to impress me. Mazel Tov, Roy, I hope you and Shosh enjoy her day!
There are no right or wrong ways when it comes to transliteration, Lisa!
Glad you liked the post. As I said to Tor, it’s easy to do when you have great kids.
Roy
Roy, that was a wonderful tribute – you’re a great dad!
Tor Constantino recently posted..No Lie – Truth Telling Improves Your Health
It’s easy to sound so when you have great kids. I’m sure my daughter appreciates your comments, Tor.
Roy
Thanks for sharing about your terrific daughter! This is such a lovely tribute to her.
Thanks for expressing your thoughts, Bonnie!
Lovely birthday gift to your daughter; tributes like that make me wonder why birthdays are celebrated on behalf of the child and not the parents who made it happen!
Andrea Feinberg recently posted..Free & Dirt Cheap Marketing Tools – Online and On Planet Earth
Thanks for you comments and visit, Andrea. But, while parents may make potential available- it’s the child that achieves the results, given the resources available (or not).
Roy
What a lovely post Roy. I so admire the way you can communicate deep feelings and share them with others. It takes courage to be that open. This post and the one about your mother brought up some memories for me about my childhood and my experience being brought up Jewish. My grandfather was orthodox and my grandmother kept a kosher house and adhered to the rules but only at home. When out in the world she only wanted Chinese food and love her pork and shrimp. I think I was confused for a while because my own parents were a mixture of conservative and reformed. But the traditions and meaning of things are powerful regardless of one’s level of Judaism.
Happy birthday to your daughter Shosh. Is that her name or is it short for Shoshana or some other name?
Julia Neiman recently posted..What Can Your Teen Do to Earn A Million Dollars?
Julia:
I have called my daughter Shosh for ever, but, yes, Shoshana is her name. And, she has always been fond of roses…
My mother was not religious at all-and I know she loved all kinds of things (but since I would not enter such establishments, I never saw her devour lobster or whatever…)
Roy
It’s a beautiful name.
Julia Neiman recently posted..What Can Your Teen Do to Earn A Million Dollars?
Thanks, Julia!
A lovely Birthday Tribute. Sounds like you are both very lucky to have each other 🙂
Kama recently posted..Comment on Releasing The Confidence To Publish Your Book by Julia Neiman (@parenttrainer)
Thanks, Kama… I’m pretty sure I am the lucky one…
R
Happy Birthday to your daughter!
This is such a wonderful post… Daddies and daughters make the world such a lovelier place.
Hajra recently posted..Stop Giving Crappy Gifts
I am sure that my daughter appreciates your sentiments, Hajra…
One only hopes that we do…
Roy