She was in the wedding. Her favorite (and only) uncle was getting married and she was a junior bridesmaid.
Almost 7, she was, and full of life and eager to live it.
She was getting a new aunt. There was going to be a party afterward.
Her excitement was contagious. Her antics were comical. Her desire to be a part of things, precious. Her older sister (by 2 years) was also a junior bridesmaid and took things a bit more seriously and with less zest.
As she took her place among the bridesmaids, she looked to them for affirmation and correction. A nod of their heads was all she needed to feel secure in her place but soon forgot she was not the center of attention.
After all, she was the center of her own world and surely that of her uncle. Her joy could not be contained and as an expression of what she felt inside, her body took on the stance of a ballerina. The gentle touch of the nearest bridesmaid’s hand prevented the intended pirouette.
To dance…that’s all she wanted. Everything in her desired to act out what her heart felt.
Later, at the reception she would have opportunity to release her emotions and express her joy. And, she did. For three hours, she jumped and danced and wiggled and squealed. Her partners ranged from her sister, to a group of teens, to the bride, and then to a bottle of bubbles….
The last dance was a slow dance.
Her dad offered his hand and she took it. He lifted her from the stage from which she had danced solo, and after a quick peck on the cheek, placed her feet on the dance floor. He bent over, took her hand and led her in a slow dance around the floor. As the song reached midway, she raised her hands to him and he lifted her, cradling her against his chest. She wrapped her legs around his torso, her arms around his neck, and placed her head on his shoulder. Dad wrapped his arms around her and danced with her until the music was nearing its end. He set her on the floor, spun her once and then dipped her gently and as he brought her up, kissed her forehead.
Dancing with Daddy taught her much. Far more than she realized. Daddy will influence her thoughts and views on boys and men for years to come. And, she will expect them to mirror her dad’s treatment of her.
Good for her.
And, good for Dad.
Things will soon get interesting for this Dad of Daughters. I hope he will be up for whatever comes and the girls under his watchful care thrive and embrace the changes with grace and ease, knowing their dad loves them, accepts them, and is comfortable with all the changes that puberty brings.
Dads who are period wise raise daughters who are confident, secure, comfortable, and capable of fully embracing the changes that come as they move from girlhood into womanhood.