It’s always the same. I’m pulled in two different directions when it comes to my children. No matter which I’m with, I long to be with the other. I need to come up with the magical formula to be at two places at the same time.
Kari and I had a wonderful time together. We went out to eat a couple of times yesterday. Went to the mall. Hung out in her lounge area. Well, we just enjoyed being together.
As for me, I took advantage of being up late and rising early to help get her a bit more organized. I did all her software updates on her smartphone and computer. I washed loads upon loads of laundry. I cleaned her kitchen. I tightened the cabinet doors to the frame.
In a nutshell, I did dad stuff and it felt great.
Now, let me take a minute to talk about her laundry. Just envision her room as wall-to-wall clothes. That’s what I walked in on. Then, to my dismay, I find this is several layers deep! I asked her how many times she did laundry since arriving in August. You see, I already knew the answer based on the amount of laundry detergent used from her bottle. I was guessing she did two loads somewhere along the line. Turns out, I was spot on. The only thing that helped is she brought laundry home with her when she visited.
I had to laugh as I was working on her cabinets and other fixes. I could clearly see the handy work of many dads before me. Yes, we are a resourceful (and creative) lot when it comes to quick fixes. Aside from the assortment of screws we could scrounge up, I noticed duct tape, bungee cords, and even toothpicks in the bygone repairs.
I was able to get out for an hour this morning and picked up some groceries for her. I shopped for her food like she is a man… as easy to prepare as possible, but at least somewhat healthy. Really, most of it can be eaten right out of the packaging it is sold in. To me, that’s a beautiful thing.
I will be sad to leave her. I’m missing her right now and I’m still here! I look forward to the upcoming two months. I really just need to muddle through this week. She will be home for a week over Thanksgiving and for a little over a month for Christmas.
I really can’t believe I have such a wonderful daughter.
Rachel Mckinze Dublin says
November 17, 2011 at 11:27 AMI also agree Kari and Ryan are blessed to have grate parents like you and Sue. Kari is an awesome friend and the kindest person to children and people who have special needs like me. I have special needs called Autism and I like to help other kids who have Cerebral Palsy and are lower then I am and in an EZ Stroller and a walker for handycap people like my friend Mindy who has Cerebral Palsy and can’t walk in less she has her walker in APE (Adaptive PE) and the teacher aid behind her walker in case she were to fall and an EZ Stroller she is in during the school day and out on CBI community based instruction.
ryansrally.org says
November 17, 2011 at 11:33 AMWow. Your words mean a lot to me! I’m proud that Kari and Ryan are kind, compassionate people. I’ve never had to worry about how they treat people. In fact, they make me proud Thank you for making our day better.
Ann H Tearle says
November 13, 2011 at 11:42 PMYou are just…great! You’re a great Daddy. When I had my 2nd child, i almost felt as if i was being disloyal….i mean, loving the first one so completely…how could there be any love left to give a second child? I fretted over that for a moment…..then realized–no contest–they are two different people, each loved 100% in THEIR CATEGORY. Apples and oranges! What a relief. So happy for you and Kari and your time together. AND, you fixed things…..you da man:)
Carla Liberty says
November 14, 2011 at 2:30 AMAnn,
When I was pregnant with my second child I said to my mom, “I don’t know how I can love another human being as much as I love my daughter.” She told me, “Honey you don’t have to divide your love between your children. The love you feel with each and every child just multiplies.” I’ve never forgotten that. 🙂
Ann H Tearle says
November 14, 2011 at 1:54 PMCarla–I love that! Thanks for sharing it. Annie
Gail Doyle says
November 13, 2011 at 9:58 PMKen, So glad you had a wonderful visit with Kari Get home safe and what a Dad!!!!!! I’ m sure Sue had a great time with Ryan too …..A great Mom too !!!!! God bless you all. love Gail
Jill in Morgantown says
November 13, 2011 at 9:27 PMKen
I LOL’d reading about your grocery shopping. That’s how dads are and thats why we daughters love it!!!! So glad you had a good time. SHSP in Morgantown
The Colangelis says
November 13, 2011 at 7:50 PMNice of Dad to help get things caught up for his daughter. I’m sure she really appreciates it and really helps her out. Good job… and the visti gives you a taste to looking forward to the holidays.
Anna says
November 13, 2011 at 3:22 PMThank God for the beautiful weather this weekend for you and Kari to have together, and have a safe and relaxing drive home.
Jo says
November 13, 2011 at 12:41 PMOh my! You are as handy as a pocket on a shirt! Wow! Computers, cell phones, laundry and tightening cabinet doors–what a lucky daughter you are, Kari! So glad you had a good time. I can’t imagine how much you missed Sue and Ryan, but you needed this break.
By the way, our granddaughter would like to know what you are doing next week-end and if you do windows. Watch out for her Chihuahua though–he bites, but he’s been in training.
Paula says
November 13, 2011 at 12:19 PMHello Ken, what a fantastic weekend for you and Kari!! I wish you could have more of those with Kari, and I’m glad she will be home soon. Indeed, you are blessed with a beautiful family. What a great Dad you are too, and I had to laugh at your description of the things other Dads before you have done to fix the cabinets. Your descriptions are perfect! I’m sure Kari is very grateful for all the nice things you did and do for her. Kari and Ryan are blessed to have such an amazing father. You rock.
Love & prayers always,
Paula