—
Tonight we had a Daddy/Daughter Dance. The girls asked me to go on Thursday evening, after we left the gym. Of course, I said yes.
But everything in me felt it right to shoot Aubrey’s dad a text. Living a couple hours away, I wasn’t sure. Plus, he’s in the medical field, and those hours are crazy.
Still, reach out. That was the nudge.
I did. Immediate response. He was going to try and make it and get off work.
Cue today: at the last minute, he was able to leave work. Two hours later…
This. This video.
What’s the point?
Intentionality. Vulnerability. Honor.
This isn’t about me. This is about US. This is about OUR KIDS. All of us. All of us in blended families.
It would have been just as easy to take the girls to the dance, no text needed.
But that’s not what love, humility or honor do.
My role is to honor Aubrey’s dad. And because I respect and honor that, we have an amazing relationship.
We talk often, as there is no emotion outside of a little girl at the center of our conversation. Co-parents sometimes carry emotional baggage… so this relationship creates the bridge for healthy co-parenting and co-raising an amazing kiddo. We have no history to get in the way.
I used to think I was a better man for “showing up” for Aubrey…
I’ve found that what makes me a better man is giving him the opportunity to, and to see that relationship thrive.
We all want to win.
I do.
We do.
We win when love wins.
And for this amazing little girl and her amazing dad, they get to have their first dance together at a proper Daddy/Daughter Dance.
Cheers.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad freeWhat It Means To Be A StepDad And A Man….Tonight we had a Daddy/Daughter Dance. The girls asked me to go on Thursday evening, after we left the gym. Of course, I said yes.But everything in me felt it right to shoot Aubrey’s dad a text. Living a couple hours away, I wasn’t sure. Plus, he’s in the medical field, and those hours are crazy. Still, reach out. That was the nudge. I did. Immediate response. He was going to try and make it and get off work.Cue today: at the last minute, he was able to leave work. Two hours later…This. This video.What’s the point?Intentionality. Vulnerability. Honor.This isn’t about me. This is about US. This is about OUR KIDS. All of us. All of us in blended families.It would have been just as easy to take the girls to the dance, no text needed. But that’s not what love, humility or honor do. My role is to honor Aubrey’s dad. And because I respect and honor that, we have an amazing relationship. We talk often, as there is no emotion outside of a little girl at the center of our conversation. Co-parents sometimes carry emotional baggage… so this relationship creates the bridge for healthy co-parenting and co-raising an amazing kiddo. We have no history to get in the way.I used to think I was a better man for “showing up” for Aubrey…I’ve found that what makes me a better man is giving him the opportunity to, and to see that relationship thrive. We all want to win. I do.We do. We win when love wins. And for this amazing little girl and her amazing dad, they get to have their first dance together at a proper Daddy/Daughter Dance. Cheers.
Posted by Cody Jefferson on Saturday, February 23, 2019
—
Previously published on Facebook.
What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
Photo provided by the author.