A Dance With My Daughter

I wonder if she understands how much it means to me? Does she know that agreeing to dance with me at that birthday party, sent me into a state of bliss that is almost impossible to match?

The smile on her face says that she was equally as excited to be dancing with her Daddy, but would she have been just as excited to have just grabbed anyone at that point? I mean, it was the incredible catchy “Dora The Explorer” theme song.

I like to think that she felt the same way about the 45 second blip in our day, as we stomped our feet and twirled around, our cheeks sore from the growing smiles. I might sound like an overly sappy Dad here, but these are the little moments that make you forget all your troubles and remind you of how great life can be.

Maybe someday, she’ll read this and know how special that brief moment was for her Dad. I hope she does. I hope she reads this and understands that she made a memory for me that day. One that she may not remember, but that I will take with me forever.

It was only 45 seconds, but the memory remains for a lifetime.

Cheers!

28 replies
  1. daniel
    daniel says:

    It is those small moments – they are the ones we remember decades later. Quite often they are spontaneous. You can not plan them. But you can create opportunities for them to happen by being there with your kids.

    Reply
    • Chris
      Chris says:

      Honestly, she was only available to dance because Minnie Mouse had a partner already, but I’ll take every opportunity I can get! 😀

      Reply
  2. Jen
    Jen says:

    Those tiny moments already mean a lot to her right now…she just can’t verbalize that yet. Never underestimate a woman…we understand being loved, regardless of age 🙂

    Reply
    • Chris
      Chris says:

      Thanks Jen, I hope you’re right! Then again, you are a woman, so I guess that means I shouldn’t be underestimating your opinion! ;D

      Reply
  3. Valerie
    Valerie says:

    Awww, that got me choked up just a little. So nicely written. Yes, she will most likely not remember the actual moment but she will always have the impression that she was loved. Having that feeling from her father will go a long way to making her a better person.

    Reply
    • Chris
      Chris says:

      I really hope you’re right. Sometimes it feels like I’m not doing enough for them, so I hope these moments are enough to offset the learning curve.

      Reply
  4. Carol-ann
    Carol-ann says:

    The fondest memories for a little girl dancing with daddy at anytime ..they say our first loves are our daddies ! Every little and big girl wants to be a daddies girl …hold on to those moments and treasure them deeply ! And know you were there to make those memories that she will hold dear to her heart as she grows 🙂

    Reply
  5. Kristine
    Kristine says:

    I tear up at this picture…. thinking of her dancing on her wedding day with the first man she ever loved – to butterfly kisses!!

    Reply
  6. Voula Martin
    Voula Martin says:

    As someone’s daughter I can tell you that she may not remember this exact moment, but she’ll remember that dad was always ready to dance with her. Cool moment; thanks for sharing it. 🙂

    Reply
  7. gina valley
    gina valley says:

    She doesn’t know what she made you feel; she only knows what you made her feel.
    She only knows how much it meant to her that you danced with her. She only knows the bliss she felt at being close to you.
    It was being close to you that made it special for her.
    She won’t remember the moment, but she will forever hold onto the feeling.

    Reply
  8. K
    K says:

    Beautifully written Chris! You know, she might not get it until she has kids and sees their faces when they first dance with her or her partner. Just think… You probably had a similar experience with your mom 🙂

    Reply
    • Chris
      Chris says:

      You’re probably right. I sometimes wonder how I would feel about reading back on all my parents stories. I hope they take it as love someday and not exploitation.

      Reply
  9. Marni
    Marni says:

    I love those moments with my son too. We are building trust and love with each of those moments. I believe a little part of each if those moments stay with the child even if they can’t recall it clearly.

    Reply

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