June 19, 2011

So . . . I Cried Today

I don't cry very often, unless we're talking gripping emotional cinema, like The Last Samurai and Game of Thrones (Nooooooo! Not Ned Stark! Why Ned?), and of course Bambi—and potentially Old Yeller, which I confessed tonight that I've never seen. But it wasn't a movie that had me all choked up today.

I called my incredible pops and wished him happy Father's Day. He is the most loving man I've ever known, and he's instilled in me a great appreciation for all things men. I miss him, because he lives so far away, but he's not the reason I cried today.

I had another great date tonight with a really wonderful guy, so only smiles there.

My oldest and youngest daughters were together today in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and they called me three times while I was on my date. I didn't realize they did, so I didn't answer. They also sent me a bawdy text I bet most kids don't send their parents (I so love their spirits), so of course I called them back to share a good laugh. But then they said, "We just wanted to wish you a happy Father's Day."

I wasn't sure at first why those words hit me so hard—like in that place right at the core of you, where you normally don't let anybody get to—but I almost couldn't talk with that big lump in my throat. And I realized that after all these years of being the only parent they've ever known, it was the first time they had acknowledged that I was both their mother and their father out of necessity, and that they understood it wasn't always easy. I felt validated. They got it. They got me and what I went through.

Ah, parenthood. Who but your kids could take you out with a one-liner?

Tonight I got the best Father's Day gift ever. Made me exceedingly proud to be their mom. Then we had a good laugh about the adult things their mother might be up to these days. Those apples did not fall far from this tree.
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37 comments:

Michelle Wells Grant said...

Right they are, Daddio. So great to be acknowledged and loved, isn't it? It's hanky worthy, for sure.

Pseudo said...

Happy Father's Day Liar. You are amazing and I love your sense of humor.

Stafford Ray said...

Happy fathers day from a dad/mom!
With my two, to whom I was a single parent, I enjoy an amazing adult-adult relationship even though both have families of their own. Glad you enjoyed your date too!!

Sueann said...

Awww! What a sweet thing to say to you! I love that they said it and that it made you cry too! Fabulous!
I get bawdy texts from my granddaughters! They always make me laugh!!
And they have the coolest father...my son!! Love that!!
Hugs
SueAnn

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Awww you sound sooo happy.

Irish Gumbo said...

That's just...wow. Apples and trees, indeed.

What a lovely gift, and I think you deserved it. Happy FD to you, FL :)

mac said...

I cried when Old Yeller died too.

Your sweet story reminds me of the old coloquialism, "Kids are like sponges, they soak up all our love and affection... But, one squeeze and it all comes back to you"

Alexandra said...

OK.

NOt just you, but me, with the lump in my throat.

Honestly, they said this because you are all that to them.

We only grew up with a mother, and we never felt to say "happy father's day," to her.

Our own history...but, clearly, you are EVERYTHING to these girls.

Beautiful.

Red Shoes said...

You are a GREAT Mom!!! You have to be in order to get Father's Day Greetings!!!!

Belated Happy Fathers' Day wishes to you, and congratulations for being there for your children!

You made a difference!!!

~shoes~

Gaelyn said...

Such sweet tears. Nice to be acknowledged. And why would you Want to answer the phone when on a good date. Happy Father's Day!

Unknown said...

I so know what you mean! My girls told me the same thing yesterday...Happy Father's day.

I'm loving that you have the same type of relationship with your girls that I have with mine. It's great!

Hope there will be many more dates with your possible Prince Charming.

Unknown said...

That's when you know you did your job as a parent very well! Congratulations on having raised wonderful daughters!

Kristina P. said...

Your kids sound simply delightful.

Suzy said...

You should be proud of yourself for raising such thoughtful kids. And I hope that date turns out to be something permanent!

Linda Medrano said...

Just reading this got me a little choked up too. What wonderful daughters you have! And raising kids alone is no picnic. I did it too. I love that they made you realize that they "got it". And I'm really happy you had a fun date with a cool guy! You deserve such happiness in your life!

foxy said...

Oh my gosh, that chokes me up a little bit too! But they are oh so right, little miss. You are their everything... and a good one, at that.

xoxo

CiCi said...

I knew that was what you were going to say. I had a similar experience. My middle kid calls me occasionally on Fathers Day to remind me how much it meant to him that I was both mother and father to him. Kids are so great. Hope you had a wonderful Fathers Day. I did.

Jo ~ said...

We women can bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan... but that's only if its in the budget, eh? lol...who really needs a man, and for what? drama?

schweeeet! reminds me of my son who never questioned why his dad was never there, I was enough. He just got married Saturday, and is a father to her kids already for the past 2 years or more. Happy Belated Father's Day, chicka-sista!

Jimmy said...

Great mammy, great kiddies. The apples rarely fall far fae the tree. Good for you hen.

Fred Miller said...

I was totally ready to hurt these people who made you cry, but I don't hit ladies. Unless they are black belts. Even then I don't hit them very hard.

Pat said...

That was so incredibly beautiful....brought tears to my eyes! Congratulations on a job well done!

Jeanne Estridge said...

Another sign you've done a great job!

daisyfae said...

deliciousness! great kids! nice that they get it!

Heidi-"Heidi in Real Life" said...

Now you're gonna make ME cry! That's a great story.

That Janie Girl said...

That is some major honor there, Kimber. Major.

Elly Lou said...

Well shit. *sniffles*. I might as well go watch Beaches again since my mascara is already running.

Julie D said...

Omigosh, I have a big lump in my throat now. What a special moment for you! And what good kids you raised.

The Mommy Therapy said...

What a wonderful recognition of all you have done! I think the biggest thing is that you raised kind women that think of things like this, clearly you have done an amazing job as Mom and Dad.

Happy Father's Day.

bernthis said...

you deserve all the credit. As single parents we have to be both mom and dad but in your case there was no reprieve.

I think you are awesome.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Happy Father's Day indeed. So tough to raise kids, but alone. Even tougher. So lovely for your girls to do this.

Old Yeller. I have a copy you can borrow. I can't believe you haven't seen it.

secret agent woman said...

Sometimes the validation comes in the form of a single sentence.

Anonymous said...

Oh, what wonderful kids you have!

Busy Bee Suz said...

How wonderful....they know YOU are the best and they shared it with you!!!!
Happy Father's day.

rory said...

Damn.
Can you be my dad?

Vegas Linda Lou said...

Beautiful post. Your girls are lucky to have you and it sounds like you've done a fine job with them. And yay for the good date!

meleah rebeccah said...

Awwwwwwwwwwww!! That really WAS the best "Father's Day" gift to you. EVER. Now I have tears in my eyes.

Katherine said...

What a wonderful gift indeed! "happy father's day!"