Friday, April 16, 2004

spring crushes

Spring seemed to often bring to me a crush on a new girl. I remember that happening in late grade school and to some degree up into college.

Today I spoke at the National Junior Honor Society induction of new members at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts where my daughters Kate and Molly attend. Kate is an 8th grader and Vice President of the NJHS. She introduced me with such a vision of me that I almost didn't recognise the guy she was talking about. It was wonderful. Something every parent dreams of having their child say about them.

In a few weeks Kate will be graduating from the 8th grade. Today I realized I am the father of one of those girls who boys develop a crush on in spring. She is very attractive, let alone smart and creative.

I can understand the exuberance of having a crush on a girl in spring. To relate to Kate is such a gift. After my early years of having this experience seemingly from afar, God has allowed me to parent and live with one. (Now, let me say quickly, that I suspect my wife Martha was such a one when she was younger, BUT I wasn't around then. )

Thank you God for allowing me to quide two wonders of your creation - Kate and Molly - for these short years at the beginning of their life.