I proudly confess that I have recently listened to songs by Milli Vanilli and Fine Young Cannibals. In fact, my 80s playlist on Spotify has gotten a lot of airtime. And it’s not just me that enjoys it, either. Abrie is getting quite an education in 80s and 90s music.
I’ve been home from the hospital a month and a half now and one of the best things about it is getting to spend so much time with my daughters. I spent two of the first five months of Abrie’s life in the hospital, so this has been a great time of getting to know her little personality and watch her grow. She’s rolling over more and has started growling, usually while she eats. She’s adorable. Each minute is even more valuable as my time at home before the transplant grows small.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with her when it’s just the two of us while Christi and Emmy go to the park or run errands. One night, she was getting fussy so I decided to play some music. What better choice than some 80s and 90s love songs that I could sing to her?
One of our favorites is “I’ll Be,” by Edwin McCain 1.
“I’ll be your crying shoulder,
I’ll be love’s suicide
I’ll be better when I’m older,
I’ll be the greatest fan of your life.
And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed…”
I know some of those lyrics aren’t really appropriate, but she can’t quite understand them yet and you can change them with a little creativity:
“I’ll be your crying shoulder,
I’ll give you a piggy back ride
I’ll be a better dad when I’m older,
I’ll be the greatest fan of your life.
And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As you lie awake in your crib…”
But the song we like the most is “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera 2. It’s a classic 80s tune and, even better, the theme from “Karate Kid II.” Every young boy of my generation was positively influenced by Daniel Larusso and Mr. Miyagi.
“I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero you’re dreaming of…”
I’m just now able to get through the chorus without choking up. When I sing those words to her and look into her big blue eyes, I mean them. I am her Daddy declaring that I’ll fight for her honor. I’ll be her hero. And her sister’s, too.
That’s exactly my role as their dad. Father God is ultimately their protector, but He has entrusted this responsibility to me while I’m on this earth. This is significant motivation for me to get healthy so that I can fulfill this sacred duty. My daughters’ honor is my responsibility. I am the one charged with holding firm to our values to protect it, even when it’s the unpopular decision.
What’s even more profound is that my character and actions will inform my girls’ perception of what a man should be. They will seek a husband (when they’re 30 years old, minimum) who will treat them as I have treated their mother. Or they will settle, thinking that all men are selfish and abusive. My prayer is that I’ll model the example that Paul gave in Ephesians 5:25, that I will love their mother “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
Most importantly, as they begin to know God as Father, I will be the starting point. If their earthly father is aloof or angry or self-serving, then so will be their idea of God. However, if their dad is loving and gentle and selfless, then they will have a better perception of our Heavenly Father. Mind you, I’ll never be perfect or as loving as He is, but it’s still my responsibility to reflect his nature as much as I can.
Emmy loves to pretend she is a princess. She sometimes wants to dance with me, her prince. I can’t pass up an opportunity to waltz around the kitchen floor, because I selfishly do want to be her prince. And her hero. The prince protects the honor and virtue of his beloved princess. I’m lucky enough to have two princesses to nurture and raise to one day serve the King.
(Thanks, Liz Thomas Photography, for some great pictures.)
1. McCain, E. (1998) I’ll Be. On MisGuided Roses [CD]. Burbank, CA: Lava Records
2. Cetera, Peter, David Foster, and Diane Nin. 1985). Glory of Love [recorded by Peter Cetera]. On Solitude/Solitaire. Glory of Love [7″]. Burbank, CA: Warner Brothers.
Sir,
You’re an inspiration; just got your blog link from the FSC. Wish you the best for you and your family.
—SSG Wilson
Thanks. Very much appreciated.
You know Jeff… you’re only prepping your girls to fall for my fellows… who just happen to like Milli Vanilli and want to be Michael Knight (of Knight Rider, the original) when they grow up. All thanks to Charlie 🙂 LOL!
(Another great post, btw)
Thanks, Liz. Glad to see Charlie is raising those boys right. I might consider lowering the minimum marriage age to 29 for the Thomas boys.