This is beautiful. It got to me today because Noemi Rose had me feeling the same way this morning.
I went to an event to speak this morning, and that meant missing our usual Saturday activities with Noemi Rose. She has ballet and soccer. I hugged her and told her I couldn't go. She put on a brave face, but I heard her start to cry as I was going out the door.
I could say a lot about learning to be a father. Particularly when I didn't have very many solid examples to draw from. But this thing where you can *feel* how much your kids need you? How important you are in their lives? I have yet to really get used to that.
It's a miracle that this hasn't made me more angry at my father. Growing up without him did a number on me in many ways that I can still see and feel. But showing up for my daughter every day has never been a problem. She recharges me. She's my motivation.
