The Pin is Mightier 04.15.06 Welcome to My World
Posted by Ryan K. Boman on 04.15.2006
This week’s column is brought to you by Regan Layne Boman, born Monday, April 10, 2006.
Dear Daughter,
You're finally here and I can't be happier.
It's been a long day, hasn't it? I know this place may seem a little bit strange right now, but change can sometimes be a good thing. I also admit that everything is probably a bit weird to you. You're undoubtedly wondering what all these new voices and bright lights are. You're probably a little bit scared. You may even be panicking inside.
All I can tell you is to relax, because we plan on taking really good care of you. No one is going to hurt you as long as I'm around. And don't worry about that smell; hospitals always stink. You'll learn more about that as you get older.
Seriously... you need not worry. You've got it pretty good already. You've got a wonderful mother and a big sister (who is already crazy about you), the support of friends and family, as well as the inherent good looks bequeathed to you from your father. Who could lose with those credentials? The way I see it, you'll be a lawyer/model/astronaut/pro athlete before I know it. You'll be rich and successful and beloved. Then, I get to stand back and watch and pretend to take credit for it. Pretty much, it's a win-win situation all around.
With that being said, there are a few things I want you to know...
I promise to listen to your problems and concerns. My dad was never one to sit still long enough to get to know us. It seemed he was so busy taking care of the bills that he never took care of me and my sister. I'll try to not be like that. If I start failing at this responsiblity, just let me know.
No matter what goes wrong, you can always come to me and your Mom. Nothing that happens in your life will ever change the fact that we will support you 100 percent. You will make a ton of mistakes (as we all have), and we will deal with them as a family if you let us.
Laugh a lot. One of the few things I've learned in my crazy life is not to take anything too seriously. When the chips are down and you feel like life is hopeless, that's when you need to smile the most. Don't weigh yourself down with all those stupid insecurities that we all have. When it seems that everyone and everything is against you, turn it into a big joke. Because in reality, that's what it is.
Even when I'm mad, I'm not mad at you. Every once in awhile, the world weighs down on a grown-up more than you could possibly imagine. Inevitably, they begin taking out their frustrations on other people. Sadly, I am guilty of this as much as anyone else. I want you to know that this is not a reflection on you or how much I love you.
I promise to be as patient as possible. In the past, I have been known to blow a gasket over little things. If you happen to color on the walls or accidentally poison the dog, I will attempt to restrain my anger. As you get older, I might have to modify this rule a bit. You see, I'm known for being a little high-strung. For your sake, I'll try to accept the fact that you may bring home a boyfriend with weird hair or strange peircings, only if you can accept the fact that I don't have to like the guy. You are my daughter, and I will always try to be protective without being overbearing.
We are from two different eras. I realize that you will grow up in a completely different world than I have, and it may be time to adapt. When I was a kid, roller skates were still big, and the internet was just a concept. You'll see and do things that I never dreamed of, and I just hope that you will never be hurt in the world you've come into.
After hearing all of that, I hope that you can see the underlying theme of what I'm saying. You are a very important part of my life. I will never let anything happen to you, and I hope you can deal with all my silly quirks and crazy demands. I pray that you can spend you life walking between the raindrops, but I'm preparing for the inevitablity that you won't. But, no matter what, I will always be here for you.
Welcome to this world. I think you'll find that it's not so bad once you get used to it. And, I plan in making it better and better for you if I can.
Sincerely (...and I Love You),
Your Dad - 04/10/2006
