My daughter Britta works after school at a local espresso shop. Often I will stop in to see her, and see if she'll need a ride home after work. I did so tonight, but she seemed a wee bit like her mind was elsewhere... almost in a day dreamy state of mind. Being the nosy father that I am, I asked her how her shift had been, and she smiled, then gave a little laugh. And then she explained:
A couple hours earlier, one of Britta's best friends came in wearing a running outfit, in which she sported a bare-tummy. On her tummy, the letter "H" was formed with tape. Britta's girlfriend was smiling and giggling (even more than usual for 17 year old girls!) when another girlfriend walks in, this time sporting an "O" on her stomach! This was starting to Look like a prank on David Letterman, as more friends (male and female) kept coming, and lined up in order until they spelled "H-O-M-E-C-O-M-I-N-G."
Of course, they were all getting really silly by now, when one last boy walked in and his stomach had a "?" taped on it. He walked up to Britta at the counter to place his order, and said "I'd like a date for the homecoming dance." Britta laughed and thought it was wonderful, especially since this was actually a boy that she likes. (And, of course, she said "Yes!")
So, as a father, I'm happy for my daughter. I give the boy a lot of credit for his creativity (and confidence, 'cuz what if she had said "No!") I don't think I would've done so well, (even if I HAD ever talked to girls at that age!)
Alas, my little girl is growing up. This is something all father's must deal with eventually, but it always comes sooner than one would prefer. I'm happy that Britta now has such a wonderful memory. But, seriously, couldn't I just keep my little girl the way she was for a just few more years?
[I've attached some photos of Britta on her recent trip to Germany, where (apparently) she was ALWAYS in the presence of boys when photos were taken. (Go figure.) Also, I can confirm that there were a nearly equal number of boys and girls in the student travel group... hmmm. A father's worries are never unfounded!]
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Comments: 11
Perhaps the threat of world annihilation will be sufficient to thin the crowd enough that you can make an appointment see her on Sunday evenings from time to time.
Excellent "returning to Gather after too long away" post. :-)
Smart kid, huh? ;-)
It's hard to watch them grow up, though, isn't it? I still tend to get uncomfortable when my adult children (born between 1973 and 1982) talk about sex. I know they do it, but it still makes me cringe! LOL!