Not the end, but the beginning.

Abbey,

I remember the day that you were born like it was yesterday. Moving down the hall to tell your grandparents the good news, I don’t think my feet hit the floor. That day I thought that I invented fatherhood. My precious little girl, perfect in every way, was a true gift from God.

I remember taking you to day care, and you didn’t want me to leave. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to keep you with me all day. But you went along the way, and when things weren’t to your liking, you made sure they knew it. You had no problem telling Rosemary that it was time to move up.

I remember taking you to your first day of kindergarten. You were ready for school – a bright, inquisitive little girl that loved wolves and action heroes, and the occasional Barbie doll. You moved through grade school never holding back, in learning or saying what’s on your mind.

I remember when you started middle school. I was not ready for that. My baby was growing up. You were no longer interested in super heroes and rough housing with Dad. You had new interests, and boys were starting to take my place in your life. Your desire to learn never waned, and teachers were always quick to point out your gift for learning and for writing. You were well on your way to defining who you would become.

I remember when you started high school. I remember thinking that the day you would graduate is not far off.  How can that be? Can I stop it from happening? Can I keep you with me all of the days? I cannot, and I should not. You have so much more to accomplish. You have worked so hard, and on the day you walk across the stage, with all of the bling draped around your neck, you can be proud that your achievements were never given to you. You have earned them. But also remember that this is not the end, this is the beginning. Your best days will not be left in the halls of Blue Valley North High School. They are yet to be defined.

You are, Abbey, still my precious, perfect little girl. You are still the one to let others know who you are, and what you will accomplish. You are still the one who will never hold back. You are the still the one that, even after college, will always continue to learn. You have so much to give, and so much to receive in return.

I am so proud of you. You have never failed me, never disappointed me, and always make me smile. You will always be my little girl who loved super heroes, wolves, and the crocodile hunter. You will always be my little Boo.

I Love You,

Dad

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.  One is roots.  The other is wings."
 ~Hodding Carter, Jr.