Dear Daughters

Dear Tiffany and Elisabeth,

Being your father for the past seven years has been the greatest experience in the world.  There have been plenty of times when we did not understand each other, but there have been so many MORE times when I could tell with all my heart that God intended for us to be family.  You are both strong, beautiful women.  Neither of you ever lets anything keep you down, and I admire you both so much because of that.  I could easily nickname you each "Timex", because you both "take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’".  And what licks life has handed you!

For my Tiff-Taff: There are often big misunderstandings between us, and lately, we have not felt quite as close as before.  I want you to know (and I plan on telling you) that you are still and always will be "Best friend number 1a"…your mother being number 1, and Elisabeth being number 1b.  I cannot explain how much I regret that I did not meet and marry your mother sooner than I did.  I would have been far too young to do so when you were being brought up and mistreated.  How I wish I had been born in 1955, rather than 1975.  Then, you could have had a safer environment, and maybe you would be better adjusted and happier…and most importantly, maybe then you’d love yourself the way you deserve to be loved!!!!!!  I would never have let your mother do the things she did, at least not without putting my own neck on the chopping block.  But I wasn’t there, and there’s nothing either of us can do about that.  The old expression "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" applies whole-heartedly here.  It was unfair for your mother to treat you the way she did.  I offer NO excuses for it.  I just pray that you can realize that you are stronger because of it.  You survived, and some people don’t.  I love you with all my heart, and I always will, sweetheart.  Maybe someday, we can work through this horrible issue and be a happier family.

For my Elisabeth: I am totally in awe of you, my bright, beautiful daughter!  You have somehow managed to overcome so many obstacles and turn yourself into one of the most amazing people I have ever known….and you’re only 19!!!!!!  We could all benefit from learning to be more like you.  Since there is a decade between you and your sister, I’m glad your mother changed between the times of your upbringings.  As far as I know, she rarely even spanked you, and she never terrorized you, that I know of.  She was not the most emotionally supportive mother, but she made sure you were well taken care of, physically.  Again, had I only been there…..*sighs*  Thank you so much for calling me every day, sharing your sunshine and laughter with your Dad, who desperately NEEDS that in his life.  Your kindness, creativity, and the love you have inside you inspire me to keep truckin’ when things seem too overwhelming and all I want to do is throw my hands up and say, "I can’t take this anymore!"  But I have to take it, and you and your sister, and all five of our awesome grandchildren, are very important reasons NOT to throw in the towel.  You remind me so of my sister, without the attitude she has that drives me crazy.  I mean this as a compliment, because I love and admire my sister, even though she drives me crazy.  You are strong, determined, and nothing ever stops you from achieving your goals, yet you never hurt anyone to get your way.  That, in itself, is totally totally awesome!  I want to be like you when I grow up!

For both of my girls:  It is my sincere hope that you both always know how much your Pops loves you.  I know you both love me, as well, and I treasure that.  I am honored to be your father.  God gave me a great gift when he gave me your mother and the two of you, plus five outstanding grandchildren!  Thank you for everything that you bring to my life.

With all my love,

Pops