Leaving for college and a memory from 2006...

Today we take Kami to college.  I knew this day would come and for some reason it reminded me of a day in 2006 when I wrote down some thoughts on her little life and how quickly it would pass us by.  I will never regret being present for so many beautiful memories with her.  The memory of her first Daddy/Daugher dance was one of these snapshots of her life that I took time to record so that I could remember it on days like today...

Written in 2006 (Age 7)

The night was set, a royal ball

announced to every girl

in second grade the call goes out

throughout the halls of school.

"Bring your dad!" the poster says

"and dress with greatest care,

wear the finest gown you have,

and decorate your hair."

So as the day drew ever near

my daughter's eyes grew wide

I saw a sparkle in her face

a lightness in her stride.

Finally the day had come

and love was in the air,

My daughters squeel filled every room

her joy was everywhere.

Her dress was radiant and white

her hair put up in curls,

her legs were covered with her tights,

her neck was laced with pearls.

I walked toward her and bent to kiss

her little princess face,

She looked at me with happy eyes

and leaned toward my embrace.

She asked me if I couldn't wait

to dance with her that night,

I told her that I'd thought all day

of what it would be like.

She told me that this night was all

that she could think about,

All day long inside her school

she dreamed of getting out.

I found my suit and matching tie

and dressed to look my best,

I wanted this to be a night

that we would not forget.

We had a meal in candle light

with goblets filled with juice,

And as we ate this filling meal

she buckled up her shoes.

The patent leather shined with light

Reflecting from above

And as my daughter grabbed her coat

I felt a gentle shove.

She looked at me with widened eyes

And said to me, “Come on.”

She grabbed my hand and held on tight

As we walked through the lawn.

I opened up the door for her,

She climbed into the seat,

I could see her spinning mind,

This night would be a treat.

On our way we talked and laughed

Driving toward the dance,

She kept on looking in the mirror

To give her dress a glance.

She asked me if I liked her hair

Done up with pins and spray,

I told her that it made me scared

Of future wedding days.

She laughed and said she couldn’t wait

To wear a wedding dress

I told her not to think of that

Whole frightening scene just yet.

Just then we pulled into the lot

Where dads where parking cars,

Filled with girls dressed up like queens

Shining like the stars.

Arm in arm we walked the street

That led us to the door

Which opened to another world,

No girl could ask for more.

We got in line to register

and then the cameras flashed,

we smiled and hugged each other tight

then headed to the bash.

The room was dark, the music soft,

The tables filled with treats,

The DJ stood behind a booth

And played with sounds and beats.

Hardly anyone was there

We happened to be early,

I wondered what I was to do,

It felt a little squirrelly.

But as the minutes passed us by

The room was filling fast

With handsome dads and little girls

Ready for a blast.

Kami asked if we could dance,

And I was good to go,

The song was sung by Rascal Flatts,

How could I dare say no.

She grabbed my hand and then my side

We swayed with grace and ease,

I was tall and she was short

So I gladly bent my knees.

As the dance floor filled with dads

And daughters at their side

I felt her boldness raise a bit,

A lightness in her stride.

She spun and twirled to see her dress

Flare out and catch the air,

The disco ball was spinning slow

With sparkles everywhere.

It almost seemed like time stood still

as we embraced and danced

And you could tell her little heart

Was made to be romanced.

I leaned toward her and whispered soft

Into her little ear,

“I love you, babe, you’re beautiful.”

It’s what she loves to hear.

She kissed my cheek and looked around

Taking in the scene,

With sights and sounds that melt the heart

Giving sight to dreams.

The faster songs brought out a side

Of her I love to see,

The inhibition of a child

Foot loose and fancy free.

My sweat was dripping off my nose

As we jumped up and down,

Sometimes we were so into it

I stepped onto her gown.

We both would laugh and carry on

The time was flying by,

She didn’t want to rest a bit,

My legs were going to die.

The night was coming to a close

They played the final song,

“Butterfly Kisses” filled the room, 

The atmosphere was strong.

I felt a hand start tugging me

Out toward the filling floor,

My princess looked up at my face

With eyes I just adore.

As we walked out into the mix

And found our special place,

She wanted me to pick her up

And give her an embrace.

My shoulder was her pillowed rest

Her arms wrapped ‘round my neck,

And as I soaked this moment in

I gave her cheek a peck.

I tilted back my sweating head,

And tears began to flow,

How any dad could miss the night

I’ll never, ever know?

I thought of all the time gone by

And also yet to come,

And as the tears dripped off my chin,

It left my soul undone.

I did not want this night to end,

I’ve never felt such joy.

While Kami Rose was growing up

I became a boy.

A boy that got a second chance

To get out on the floor

Unhindered by the thought of what

I’d ever done before.

I owe so much to Kamryn,

The firstborn of my soul,

This dance was just the tip of what

She’s done to make me whole.

As I look back on that night

And memories unfurl,

I won’t forget the time I shared

With my beloved girl.

_____________________

I love you, Kami.  I can't wait to see all that God has in store for the adventure of your future.  It's time to fly, kid, and I have a feeling you're going to soar like an eagle.