When my daughter was born, the paternal instincts kicked in. I feared for her safety. It became my responsibility to protect her and to provide for her and see that she was happy. About a year and a half ago she got married and I turned those responsibilities over to her husband. That's a tough, emotional transition for a dad.
But I kept one heavy burden to myself. It was up to me to make sure she had mince pie every year on her birthday. Don't question our choice of pie filling, it's a family tradition that we both love. And it brings me great joy to bake it for her.
Then, in June this year she and her husband moved 7 hours away. A few weeks ago I realized that I would not be able to be there to bake her pie. So I did the only thing I could do. I turned over to her husband the charge of serving my little girl pie for breakfast on her birthday. I emailed him the recipe and let go of my last responsibility so that she could have happiness on this day.
That's what a great dad I am.
