To My daughter,

I must start this with an apology – When it comes to my family and the feelings and emotions that I have towards them my instinct has been one of privacy. When your Mom shared with me this idea I backed away from making my private thoughts and wishes for you public ones. I have come to learn that although this is a creative outlet for her, it comes from a place of pure love and is something only she could do. This love for her children, in my mind, has not only inspired but has challenged people to look at their own family in a different way. I love how brave she is – you will undoubtedly get that trait from her.


As you will find out I can be stubborn at times, but after some careful reflection this truly is something special. I feel as though I need to be a part of it. So I am sorry for being late to the dance, but when you dance as well as I do you can afford to let punctuality slide – you can ask your mother about that.

I think I have always been one of those guys who thought they had a good handle on life and the lessons it can teach you. I carried on this way until the day your mother told me your brother was on his way. For me it was a sobering moment that exposed me to an uncertainty mixed with pride and happiness. My insecurities went from an ultimate high when I first held him back to normal within a month or two – that’s right it didn’t take me very long to think I knew it all….Again. 

When I found out that you were on the way, a day I like to call Shock n' Awe, I found myself composed and calm. It was nothing I hadn’t been through before….piece of cake right?

When we brought your brother home I remember my mind racing about all the things I would teach him over the course of his life. When you came home with us the only thought that I can remember was thinking about all the things you would teach me. This is a theme that has continued and something that I look forward to daily. I can’t wait to see your interpretation of our world as you grow, I am sure it will continually change the way I think about things – as much if not more than you being in my life already has.

You will probably hear a lot of words like benchmark, spectrum, and milestone but I want you to keep this one thought close to you. You will never care about where you are unless you remember how you got there. Struggle, determination, and resilience build character and you, sweet thing, are full of just that. I will always be right beside you to hold your hand or give you a boost in the event that you need it….but I know you’ll do just fine.
All pics by jillschildrothphotography.com

As you can tell by these letters your mother is a pretty special person – you will hear no different from me…..well maybe once in a while…usually when she is smothering everyone with “We should take a picture”.  She is easily the most beautiful person I know, this blog is only a small window into the size of her heart and just look at how many people she has touched.  The three of us are lucky to have her and she will be your biggest cheerleader throughout life.  If you get just half of her smile you will be one amazing lady.



I look forward to our journey……
I love you,
Dad