Just a couple of personal observations

[dolfan]

that won't mean anything to most of you, but here goes:

Today would've been my mother's 79th birthday. She died in May, 2004. My daughter and I (wife worked some today) took a break this afternoon from some heavy duty leaf removal in the backyard and drove out to the cemetary. The sight of my little girl squatting at Mother's marker and talking about how my mom adored her (Charclie was 5 months old when Mother passed away) just touched me. Now, that all sounds macabre, I know, but it just felt good to be there with Charlcie. We've paid a couple of visits before, she and I, on special days (Mother's b'day, Mother's Day, and the anniversary of her death). Then, we came back home, stopping first at Wal-Mart to buy a toy metal shovel and rake for my 4 year old assistant leaf getter-upper. We also bought a little 40 pound bag of topsoil to fill in a small hole in the yard. Charlcie worked diligently and well, scooping the dirt from the bag and dutifully placing it in the hole, patting it down, raking over it to level it, while I was leaf-bagging. It was a pretty afternoon, and it just made me feel good to share a rare afternoon with my little'un. We had a big time at doing a few little things, and I'll remember today for a long, long time.

[MacUser]

Pivotal moments. I'm always grateful when I am aware of them.

[Dr. Ron]

dolfan. Thank you for sharing that delightful story with us.

I admire your generation of fathers. While many are still like my generation....jerks...lol, most of you seem very gentle and loving.

You and my sons would be great friends. Both have daughters.

My oldest, Regie, has a special needs daughter. She is Chinese. She was adopted 4 years ago. My son became a different man the day she came. This career driven "let's go conquer the world" guy, has become a doting and loving caregiver father. Sadly he will not know the joys you spoke of. He wll never hear hear say "daddy" without a miracle.....but he sees that in her eyes and her smile. I marvel at watching their interaction.

So, my friend, keep loving and sharing..... you are a blessing and an inspiration.