My Little Girl

On this day in 1974, my life changed for the better with the arrival of my beautiful 6 pound, 1 ounce baby girl. My wife and I, who had been married less than 4 years at the time, had decided to wait awhile to have children, and like most expectant parents at the time, didn't know exactly what life had in store for us with the arrival of a new baby.

When my bride first found out she was pregnant, she rushed to my office to tell me. Her excitement was so great that en route, she received a speeding ticket - probably the only one she has ever received. When she came into my office, she was flustered, so I got up and closed my door. She said, "I have something to tell you - we're gonna have a baby!" I got up and rushed to her and hugged and kissed her.

We did the things that were in fashion those days, including practicing the La Maze method of giving birth. We learned how to breathe properly, and I was to be her coach in the delivery room, helping her along the way. We read books about new babies and becoming parents. We bought furniture for the new baby, and friends had baby showers for my bride.

It was incredibly exciting and, at the same time, anxiety filled. The last six weeks or so seemed like they would never end as my wife expanded in size and we awaited the birth. We opted not to find out beforehand the sex of our baby, preferring to wait and be surprised, the old-fashioned way. I was secretly hoping for a girl since the female gender were a rarity in the Hughes clan, but, as with all parents-to-be, the overriding sentiment was simply for a healthy baby.

When the day finally came, a long labor ensued and, finally, the doctors determined that my bride and I needed to suspend our La Maze method in favor of some drugs for my wife to complete the birthing process. As I was then shuffled into a waiting room, I prayed long and hard that everything would be okay.

After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only 15 or 20 minutes, a nurse appeared behind the glass partition with a tiny little baby wrapped in a blanket to show me. My heart was beating so fast it wasn't funny. I finally had to motion to her to unwrap that baby, after attempting to mouth the words, "What is it?" several times.

When she did expose the baby, I saw that I had a Daughter. Before I knew it, I realized I had tears streaming down my face.

A few minutes later the doctor said I could come see my daughter and my wife, both of whom were doing well. Since my bride was mostly knocked out, I had the privilege of holding my beautiful little daughter first. It was then I knew depths of love only a parent can know. It was then I knew that I would lay down my life for this little life that I helped create.

The years, of course, now seem to have gone by in a blur. She is married for almost 10 years and has a wonderful child of her own.

But, the memories I have of her throughout the years are vivid. Seeing her bundled up in a snow suit where she could hardly move. Having her come into the backyard with her little friend. Having her cry out with glee, "Daddy!!!" when she saw me walk in the door from work. Taking her to a father/daughter square dance. Sitting on my lap, cuddling and watching TV. Watching her competitiveness, as she swam on swim teams, and won so many events. Seeing her go out on dates. Watching her drive. Taking her off to college. Seeing her get her college degree - the first woman on either side of the family to do so. Falling in love. Walking her down the aisle. Having her tell her mom & I she was pregnant, and doing so in a way only she could do. Being there when she gave birth to our grandson.

There are so many more things I could say about this wonderful woman and the memories I have of and with her. She grew from a beautiful baby into a beautiful woman. But, to me, she will always be My Little Girl.

Old Fart Mike