Dads & Daughters

I often wonder about the whole Dads & Daughters relationship; especially as I watch my husband and daughter interact. My dad was the best dad in the whole world. I worshipped him until sometime in my late 20's when I suddenly realized he actually did NOT know everything and wasn't actually the smartest man alive. I annoyed the hell out of my husband when I insisted that I had to call my dad to chat about every impending large purchase and get his thoughts and approval. Had to call dad about taxes, savings, sickness, muscle aches; you name it, I had to call him to get his thoughts.

I think my husband was lucky that my dad and I lived in separate states for the first five years of our marriage and when we moved BACK to Colorado, I think my husband was lucky that he travelled for business because my dad and I had dinner together every week, sometimes several times a week. My dad came over unexpectedly to work on my lawn, adjust sprinklers, and set timers. I think my husband might have been more than a bit annoyed had he been around when dad showed up and walked right in (he has his own key) without ringing the doorbell. (We did have a talk about that a few years later, so now he rings the bell AS he is walking in, which I think is pretty funny.)

I love to watch Miss Fabulous with her daddy. They have a completely different relationship than she and I do. They are ALWAYS getting into something, making a mess, and giggling about things that I just don't get. My husband WROTE a joke that my daughter insists is hysterical - "what did the cow say to the sheep? Woof." She wants him to do that joke all the time and she STILL continues to break into hilarity every single time he tells it. I don't get it, I think it's....well, stupid. Miss Fabulous and I can explore make-up and fashion (neither of which is my thing, but she really digs it.) We can chat and sing and dance and do art and play games. Miss Fabulous gets silly with me too, but it's NEVER EVER about anything uncouth or disgusting.

Why are farts so funny around your dad? Why do you run across the room to fart AT your father? I admittedly fell for the "pull my finger" joke from my dad, and I did laugh, but I was disgusted. Not Miss Fabulous, letting 'em rip with her dad is true sportsmanship - although thankfully he doesn't participate at her skill level, which is extreme. However, letting it slide and laughing about it is pretty common place in this house since Miss Fabulous reached the age of 2. That's three years of prolific farting experience; I'm a huge fan of White Barn Candle. Makes me want to cringe or leave the room - which I usually do.

So, I wonder, will Miss Fabulous eventually stop the gas antics with dad? Will she also think her dad walks on water? If so, should I straighten that misconception out for her? Will she annoy all her future friends and spouse with calls to her dad to get the so-called expertise? Her dad is fabulous, I love him myself, and I'm so happy that they have a great relationship and that my husband takes the time to be so engaged with her. However, after nearly 20 years with this man, I can guarantee that this man...let's just say he doesn't always take the time for common sense.

I suppose only time will tell and I'll just continue to avoid looking out the windows when he uses a rope to launch her down the slip & slide all greased up so she moves at the speed of lightning. Inevitably, I am the one she'll tearily seek out to fix it and inevitably, I will have yet another chat with dad about safety and what girls just do not do. Just please, listen to me about the gas emissions for the sake of your future.