Friday, October 17, 2008

Fatherhood

Today is the 30th anniversary of the day I became a father.

Well, now...I guess that's a pretty self-centered way of looking at someone else's birthday! What I really want to do is wish my daughter Rachel a very happy 30th birthday today. But in reality, I often think of her birthday as my "fatherhood anniversary", because October 17, 1978 was one of the happiest days of my entire life. I will never forget the unspeakable joy I felt (2 weeks earlier than anticipated!) the first time I held her in my arms. That moment, along with the moment 4 days later when we brought her home and laid her in her own crib for the very first time, made one of my dreams come true. For the past 30 years, I have loved being Rachel's dad, and I couldn't be prouder to call her my beloved daughter.

Rachel is now a mother herself...of two precious 20 month old (today!) twin boys. And I just know that as they get older, they will feel just as proud that they get to call her "Mom".

Rachel, if I was able to be with you today, I'd want you to hold a sign up with the number 30 on it and take your picture (only because you don't have 30 fingers to hold up!), and after supper and presents, I'd love for us to sit next to each other on the couch, so I could read you Dr. Seuss' "Happy Birthday To You". Sure wish we could share the "who-bubs" together one more time, even though you're 30!

Happy Birthday, Kiddo. I love you!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Mr. Holden!

I have now read all of your posts... I just couldn't stop! I'm right with you on the sweeping in restaurants. I was so touched by this post about you and Rachel. I read through most of her links regularly since I know so many of the authors. I'm happy to say I'll be checking yours regularly! You are extremely well written and talk choose very interesting and amusing topics! Thanks for sharing!

Love,
Jennie (Powers) Harke

Doug Holden said...

Hi Jennie:

How nice it is to hear from you, and thanks for the kind comments. I'm still getting the hang of this blogging thing...glad you're enjoying my posts. I'd love to hear how you're doing if you get a chance to email sometime. The address is dougholdencfp@hotmail.com.