Will she remember those hands? I truly hope so. I like to believe that long after this evening fades from memory, she’ll carry with her the image of those large, rough, callused hands fastening a simple corsage—a first for both of them—a yellow carnation attached to an elastic band with a bit of Velcro.
My role was straightforward: I was a dressing assistant and photographer. It wasn’t until they stepped out into the rain that I felt the tears start to well up. My dad and I never attended a formal dance together, though we danced at my wedding, and I can still picture those hands holding mine and the joy in his eyes.
While we may not have gone to dances during my childhood, we did enjoy many outings as part of the Indian Princess program. The year after my brother passed away, we joined the same group of dads and daughters for a thrilling white-water rafting trip in the North Carolina mountains. That effort meant a lot to me, and now, I was witnessing a similar bond between my daughter and her father.
It’s his hands that I hope she will long for—hands that might have awkwardly handled the yellow flower but were steady and reassuring. He was the dad who made sure to be home early to ease the excitement of his little girl, who at just six, had already become a meticulous timekeeper when it came to her father’s promises.
If he made her wait, there would be consequences, and I enjoyed the playful reprimands just as any mother who has learned to let go of trivial disputes in a marriage does. She has turned the tables. Those small hands reach out to him every night for a goodnight hug, coaxing him into playful swings with bath towels and cheerful pleas for tickles. She has found a place in his heart that I never could, and it’s beautiful to see.
I want her to remember the man who fell in love with her first. Even though he belongs to another, I hope her mind captures little snapshots of genuine love—one that is kind, gentle, nurturing, and expressed through a father’s touch. Whether smoothing down her dark hair to check for a fever or holding her tenderly as she bounces on the trampoline, I want her to cherish these moments.
Those hands that recently presented her with a corsage will soon be applying sunscreen to her arms as she wriggles impatiently. This summer, they will guide her as she learns to drive a boat, and I’ll be there to capture these moments in my mind. I’ll send a silent message: Remember those hands, my sweet girl. Both of you.
For more insights and stories about parenting, check out our other post on home insemination. If you’re looking for guidance on starting your own family journey, Make a Mom is a great resource, as is the Center for Reproductive Health for all your pregnancy and home insemination needs.
Summary
The article reflects on the special moments between a father and daughter, highlighting the significance of simple gestures and memories. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and the impacts of a father’s love, while also providing relevant resources for families exploring insemination options.