Friday 22 May 2009

Penny For Them...

In the whole scheme of things we are all relatively small. After we have gone I suppose the most we can hope for is that our presence, our very being, has made some difference. I find I am asking myself more and more lately, has my stay on this earth made a difference? Is there anything in this world better because I have been on it?

One day I will die. Maybe in fourty years time, maybe in ten, either way it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that after I have died and long after everyone who has known me dies too... will it be as though I never existed?

Has my life made a difference to anyone? None that I can think of. None at all.

Monday 18 May 2009

My, How The Years Fly By

Is it my advancing years or is this year flying by?

I saw my daughter on Friday for the first time since we spent time together at Christmas and I suddenly realised that was nearly six months ago. We never seem to have time for each other these days. She has her life and her Job and I have mine and there just never seems to be time...

...but I remember the first day I saw her. She was so small and fragile, in fact she still is. Her cute little button nose and those pretty little eyes. I was the proudest man alive. I had someone I could teach to survive this world and to have a life she would enjoy - I wanted the best for her. I remember holding her and saying in a very quiet voice, just in case I was overheard; "Hello there little one. I am going to teach you all you need to know to get on in this world. I will do my best for you like I have never tried to do anything, ever before. I will protect you."

Then time took over. One minute I was trying to teach her to read; "The Cat In The Hat" and the next I was helping her fill in her University Application Form. One minute it was; "Daddy, it's bath time", and the next it was; "Dad, for God's sake will you knock on the bathroom door?"

But many millions of gallons of water have trickled down the drain since those days. She has grown up fast. But I have to say this, looking at her now; I think I have done a pretty good job.

... 35 years. My, how the years fly by.

Love, Dad.