DISQUS

dneylon · 9 months ago

When you write these things AD I'm torn between asking you to stop, and telling you don't stop.< />< />So just... Thank you

fuzzys dad · 9 months ago

Wow Ad that was beautiful.< />It made ne cry and laugh.< />May God Bless you both.Rick

Medicmarch. · 9 months ago

I think...uh, I think there's something in my eye.< />< />-MM

tgtsmom · 9 months ago

Well, now that my keyboard is all wet, I have to say two things. 1. KB is the luckiest girl in the world to have a father like you. And 2. you are possibly the luckiest man alive to be blessed with her.< />< />Thank you for letting us inside for peek. You don't have to share this with stangers. I am obviously not strong enough for that.

Christina LMT · 9 months ago

Amazing, AD. Thank you for sharing!

EmmaPeel · 9 months ago

Absolutely beautiful. She is so lucky. I know you know how lucky you are. < />< />But, warm me, will you. It's really not kosher to cry your eyes out at work.

Aunt Murry · 9 months ago

What a beautiful post. I'm sure that you will find tht letter someday but this is a fantastic substitue

wonder_aloud · 9 months ago

Wow, I'm in awe.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

This is quite possibly one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. I went directly to hug my Dad and thanked him for always pushing me, never letting me quit or settle for second best (including when it came to the boys) all the while letting me be me. I knew all of this but until someone else wrote it and I read their words, I had never really thanked him. < />< />And thank you for writing this marvelous piece. Blessing for you and your family! Lynn

Gene · 9 months ago

< />< />While Mom was with me in Vegas a couple of years ago for a craps tournament (wife.gov didn't want to go), we were driving down Main Street just south of Downtown. As we passed the Daisy Motel Mom pointed over and said matter of factly, "There's a real good chance you were concieved in that motel." Keeping in mind that I was almost 50 at the time, I was still all, "TMI Mom!" But now it makes for a good story.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

As the mother of a special child like KB your post brought tears to my eyes

Life on Pause · 9 months ago

Hey there AD.< />< />I know this is for your lucky little angel....but it helped.< />< />"But if you read it, I mean really read it, you'll realize it's not so much about making the best of a bad situation as it is about refusing to let disappointment blind you to the gifts you already have. My greatest fear is that, somewhere along your path in life, you'll make that mistake."< />< />Words of encouragement right there.< />< />It's a powerful dad that can help someone else's kid through a difficult situation with only words.< />< />Thanks.< />< />~Bri

Farmgirl · 9 months ago

No one who has seen your face when you talk about KatyBeth could ever mistake how much you love her, or how proud you are of her.< />< />This just adds to that.

Newbius · 9 months ago

When I am done drying my eyes, I am going to forward this to my daughter.< />< />Thank you...< />< />Anthony

cd0103 · 9 months ago

Oh wow. Just an amazing post. I agree with fuzzys dad. Made me laugh and cry. What a great tribute/

Genevieve · 9 months ago

Thanks AD. As someone else's daughter, I can tell you that a little girl knows how much she loves her father, but it's clear from this that she'll never undertand exactly how deeply her daddy loves her. May KatyBeth be lucky enough to scratch the surface of your love for her.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

It always warms me when I read one of the posts that you write with an open heart. I am glad that KatyBeth has you for a father.

TisDone · 9 months ago

I usually skip long blog posts (not just yours, everybody's) ... but something told me to read this one.< />< />Thanks ... helps one remember that being a Dad is a special thing, no matter the circumstances.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

Amazing that you are able to put all of that into words. KatyBeth is so very lucky to have a dad like you who not only lets her get away with being a little stinker but who also tells her that she can do anything and pushes her to do the most/best she can and has taught her to never give up.< />JoDee

Casey · 9 months ago

That has to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us.< />< />Your little girl is so lucky to have a daddy like you.

Nicole · 9 months ago

Yes, posts like these should have a disclaimer "Reading this post may cause permanent water damage to your laptop." Wow. Just wow. KB is so lucky to have such an amazing father but it looks like you're just as lucky to have been given such a miraculous blessing. God Bless, AD.

reflectoscope · 9 months ago

Some people do great things with their minds, some with their bodies, and some with their hearts; how many like AD do all three?< />< />Jim

Maeve · 9 months ago

NEVER underestimate the power of a parents love for their child.< />It moves mountains and proves the doctors wrong every.single.time.

Castr8r · 9 months ago

I was gettin' pissed because you haven't been posting much. My apologies, sir. You have redeemed yourself beyond all expectations! KatyBeth is a most fortunate Little Girl to have you for a Dad, and you for having her. God's grace go with you both, always.

Jennifer · 9 months ago

Wow, the screen got all fuzzy there at the end. Actually, several points in there. And there was laughter too. KatyBeth sounds like quite the girl. And you a loving father.

J-Ro · 9 months ago

Of all the entries you have made, the stories you have shared, the lessons you have taught - this post was the best. You have a gift for words. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

AD - you nailed it again.< />-whitecap nurse

dylthedog · 9 months ago

hell AD you made me cry!!

Anonymous · 9 months ago

Long time reader, first time commenter. Thanks for sharing this AD. I'm plucking out some of the phrases to post around the house for my kids to read. Beautiful.

shadysidebury · 9 months ago

AD- that's beautiful. Blinkin' back the tears now...cued up "Drift Away" as I was reading the final lines of this...mistake, or what? I can imagine that moment, or I think I can. Thanks for sharing.

Pistolmom · 9 months ago

Wow!< />www.freedoms-fight.blogspot.com

Anonymous · 9 months ago

I laughed, I cried and laughed and cried< />< />Wow< />< />just wait until you have a grand daughter, it's even better

Cristin · 9 months ago

I have been lurking for some time and decided to de-lurk just so I could comment on this post. You have so eloquently put into words your thoughts and feelings that I feel as if I know you. You are such a talented writer and your little girl is very fortunate to have such a loving father. I think you lucked out by getting her for a daughter, too! Well done, AD, well done.

NannyOgg · 9 months ago

Your little girl is so blessed to have you as a dad!< />< />{{{ HUGS }}} to you and her,< />< />Karen

cmhbob · 9 months ago

Dude.< />< />I like to think that I can occasionally put words together in a semi-coherent fashion.< />< />You can Write.

sardog · 9 months ago

After many years as a NICU nurse it can be easy to let the reasons for working there become blunted. Thank-you for reminding me what a privilege it is to care for such special babies and their families.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

We have a rule around my house, "we don't make momma cry". You've been a bad boy. Thank you for that, and thank you for sharing your beautiful, miraculous baby with us.

Oldfart · 9 months ago

Damn you AD!! I spend weeks - months even, building myself up in my own estimation as a tough, macho kinda guy and then you write something like this. Now I have to start all over again... right after I dry my eyes and wipe my nose.

Old NFO · 9 months ago

Thank you AD. That was special.

medicblog999 · 9 months ago

Thank you so much for sharing that story with us all.< />< />I hope you can add all of these comments to give to your daughter so that she can see how many lives both you and her have touched (even over here in Newcastle in the UK)< />< />I have to be honest and own up to blubbing like a baby during the Kareoke bit! My God, I knew I was in touch with my feminine side but that was too much.< />< />Thanks Again.

TheRedHead Who Reads · 9 months ago

AD, you've done it again ... absolutely wonderful! I've got tears in my eyes ... and KatyBeth is one very, very special little girl! Good for her for defying the odds and working so hard to achieve her goals to make you all so proud. < />< />I believe there are no accidents in this world - we are all here with our loved ones because it's meant to be - we're destined to be in special families. It's so obvious that KatyBeth won the Parent Lottery! You're so lucky to have her and she's lucky to have a wonderful Dad. Both of you - cherish that special father-daughter bond because what you have is just extraordinary. < />< />Thanks for sharing something so special with us all.

Dayna · 9 months ago

She's absolutely beautiful.< />< />AND I am glad I am not the only one crying.< />AD, next time you write one of these can you put (tissue required)next to the title?

TheRookie89 · 9 months ago

That was very heart-wrenching and heart-touching. I don't think I have cried that much in a long time. KatyBeth is a beautiful young girl and extremely special. She is lucky to have you for a father, AD.

kateykakes · 9 months ago

AD,< />< />That was absolutely the most beautiful thing I've ever read. You are a wonderful father who has such love in his heart for his baby girl.< />< />Thank you for making me laugh and cry - for they were tears of joy.< />< />You're an amazing man and Katy is blessed to have a wonderful father like you.< />< />Thank you so much for sharing.< />< />< />Hugs,< />< />Katey

EmbracingKatrina · 9 months ago

Wow. Beautiful. Amazing. Thank yo for sharing that.

Mrs. Who · 9 months ago

I don't know who is more blessed...KatyBeth or her parents.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

Thank you Sir you saved a strangers life today,God Bless You

Anonymous · 9 months ago

I love your blog, read it regularly. I had a 27 week preemie as well, and a 32 week preemie. What a beautiful piece you've written for your daughter. I, ah, did want to ask you a question about her length? You put down 19 inches, that's a full-term baby in terms of height. With my 32 weeker who was 4lb. 8oz. she was 17 inches long. My 27 weeker who was 1 lb. 11 oz. was 13 inches long. I don't want to question you, but 19 inches? Might want to check with the wife or birth certificate on that one. :)

Ambulance Driver · 9 months ago

read a shade under 14 inches.< />< />That's what happens when the ex gets custody of the baby book, I suppose.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

It's all right, I have trouble remembering the year my child was born. :) I keep getting asked by doctor's and nurses and I always draw a blank. There's always some number I forget when you have to repeat a medical history eleven billion times.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

Wow. Just wow.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

Thank you for sharing yourself and your daughter with the rest of us.

Danielle · 9 months ago

Long time lurker, first time commenter. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful, personal gift. KatyBeth is one lucky little girl, and you are one hell of a father.

Ian · 9 months ago

thank you for the letter to your girl.< />< />It means so much to me at this time as we have just buried my 11 year old boy who had severe cerebal palsy. he contracted a virual infection in his lungs along with a bacterial infection and the doctores also thing he assperated some sick into his lungs as well. He fought long and hard to survive (6 days on max-output on a ventilator) but did not make it. < />Your letter says everything about my boy that you said about your special lady.< />again many thanks from the heart.< />Ian

Jo · 9 months ago

Thank you so much for posting - another wet keyboard on the other side of the Atlantic.

Matt M · 9 months ago

Hey, man: Best of.

KK · 9 months ago

wow..........

Linda · 9 months ago

A beautiful post, thanks for sharing with us. KatyBeth is just the cutiest thing. She is so lucky she has you for a father. I just adore the picture of her in her camo!

grandmamargie · 9 months ago

You sound like an awesome daddy. And Katybug is a little gem. Thanks for sharing.

Alisa · 9 months ago

This was such a wonderful thing to share with us. Thanks for giving me as a parent inspiration to keep doing the best job I can and leaving a legacy for my children to help them at the difficult times in their lives.

Matt M · 9 months ago

Everyone should click on "A Day Well Spent," as it is a great counterpoint to this story.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

I cried.

The little tech that does... · 9 months ago

Another great one, AD! Quite a journey you have chronicled there, and the best part is there is still more to come.

Anonymous · 9 months ago

I have to admit this was not the best post to read when a person is 30 weeks pregnant with a little girl. Excuse me while I wipe the snot of my keyboard. My son was born at 37 weeks and had to spend 5 days in the NICU, and I have to admit it was probably some of the worst days of my life. (this was 3 years ago) I'll never forget watching an episode of Ellen in the hospital after a really bad night and seeing a picture of a little girl who had decided she wanted to be spiderman for halloween and drew horizontal lines down her entire face with permanent red marker. She was so proud of herself and had the most hilarious expression on her little face. I belly laughed for the first time in a long time, and suddenly I had an overwhelming feeling that everything was going to be ok. After reading your post, I now have that feeling again. Thank you!!< />Melissa

AlisonH · 9 months ago

What an exquisite post. Thank you. Beautiful.< />< />I do believe, too, that there are things KatyBeth will be able to accomplish in this life BECAUSE of her physical imperfections that she wouldn't be able to otherwise. She will see more clearly and be more wise than the kids who grow up having it normal and easy.

Jay G · 9 months ago

AD,< />< />This post is one of your very best. < />< />I started reading it a couple of times, getting about 1/3 of the way through. Finally cleared some time and read it all.< />< />Impressive, my friend; simply impressive.< />< />While it is certainly not on the same level as the difficulties KatyBeth has faced, my son had trouble gaining weight the first month of his life. It had to do with elective surgery on my wife's part as younger woman combined with a crazed insistence on feeding "naturally" (I blame the "Nursin' Nazis" of La Leche League...)< />< />In a nutshell, the first month of his life my son *LOST* over a pound. He was born weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces; he left the hospital weighing 6 lbs., 7 ounces; at the end of the first month he weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces.< />< />We tried *EVERYTHING* to get him to nurse. All the tips, all the hints, all were in vain. If I never hear the verb "latch" again I'll be a happy man. We scoured the parenting magazines, books, and websites for ideas on how to get our baby to eat.< />< />For a long while, I fed him with a tube taped to my pinkie (it's the most like breast feeding we were told; I suspect it was just to make me do something silly). < />< />Naturally, a month of starving took its toll on my son - which, naturally, took a toll on my wife and I. He was always hungry, which meant he was always crying. Always. Colic doesn't even come close - it would have been a welcome distraction.< />< />It meant he never slept for more than an hour or two before waking up with hunger pangs. He, like KatyBeth, would sleep best laid out on Daddy's chest - I suspect it's the warmth of the area combined with the rhythym of the heartbeat. I loved those moments more than anything else on this earth, when my son was close to me, happy, no longer crying, and asleep.< />< />Finally, after a month of this I said "ENOUGH". Went to the store, bought formula and a couple of bottles, and started bottle-feeding him formula. < />< />The change was nearly instantaneous - he fell asleep after the first bottle, and slept contentedly for nearly 3 hours.< />< />It was pure unadulterated bliss.< />< />Of course, we then had to deal with the manner in which his body processed the new nutritional material...< />< />(think Three Mile Island, only concentrated...)< />< />Anyhoo, thanks so much for sharing this. She's a very lucky girl to have you as her dad and you already know how blessed you are to have her in your life.< />< />And one last point: I'd like to proffer a "mysteriously disappearing boyfriend exchange program" - KatyBeth's heartbreaking boyfriends can disappear in the woods of N. MA; BabyGirl G's can disappear to the bayou.< />< />Heh.

Bernice · 9 months ago

I am speechless. < />< />You are one hell of an amazing man with one hell of an amazing daughter.

Ambulance Mommy · 9 months ago

I don't really have anything better to say than:< />< />Thank you.

Kellie · 9 months ago

Does that come with tissues please? Thank you for sharing a wonderfully heartfelt letter to your beautiful daughter. I truly needed to read it this week. < />< />Our 25 wkr (now almost 4) has had more complications with his health related to his CP (spastic diplegia) and it has been a hard week. He's been asking questions about his AFOs, why we have to thicken his drinks, and why he still has a "button". It doesn't get easier....just different but God bless their determination to always get that next skill and to "do it their self".

jenny · 9 months ago

Wow. And wow again. I just found your blog through a blog of a blog of a blog recommendation. Thanks for sharing this- what a treasure.

academicsuicide · 9 months ago

Read the blog cannot sleep my spastic diplegia causes joint pain keeping me awake. < />< />I am 19 now and though I would comment. Seriously it's too late for me I am far to cynicaldue to the CP amd peoples attitudes to it. But keep on keeping on as they say keep pushing, You may feel a shit at times for it but keep her challenged, my old man did it for me and it made me. Tell her she can do what ever she dreams of. It will be hard and possibly upsetting and she will probably get angry at her body limiting her at some point but keep her keeping on man.< />< />I am sorry if this sounds harsh but it is hard work both for you and for her but with a fathers support CP does not and will not limit us.< />< />Oh and tell the Lil Lady good luck in whatever she dreams of from a British Spastic Diplegic who walks with a cane like house.< />< />by blog is http://deathbyacademia.blogspot.com If you want to contact me please do so, I am glad Katybeth has someone like you as she will never feel worthless with support like that.

George · 9 months ago

I would be very remiss if I didn't thank you for this wonderful letter to your daughter. The bond of love between you is stronger than anything we could imagine.< />< />KatyBeth is lucky and so are you. But then, you both know that.< />< />Regards.

Niki · 8 months ago

As the mother of a former 26 weeker...thank you! One of the most beautiful things I have read in a long, long time.


Amazing.

The Keeper Of Odd Knowledge (K · 4 months ago

amazing. Not much makes me cry or even gets to me like that. I can't stop reading your stories though. really excellent.

Crystal · 4 months ago

Absolutely beautiful and amazing. Thank you for sharing!