Scott Freeman

4 Years Gone

Chloe, tomorrow you turn 4. As I sit here tonight among all the presents we have for you I can’t help but think about the tremendous gift that you have been to me.

I wish I could freeze this moment and keep you my little 3 year old forever.

I wish that I could lengthen every smile, amplify every hug and extend every “Daddy, I love you” until I was certain that I would never forget the joy of being your daddy or the preciousness of this time in your life that we have together.

I can’t help but think tonight of all the things I want to share with you. All of the things that I want to teach you.

About the love of Jesus. The importance of faith. The blessing of family.

As I think of these life lessons I realize that YOU have already taught ME so much.

• You have taught me to be a better husband because I never want you to feel the pain of a broken home. I never want you to question the sanctity of marriage and the importance of a Christ-centered relationship.
• You have taught me to be a better man because I never want you to have to search for the qualities you need in a father in someone else. I never want you to have to settle in relationships just to feel accepted.
• You have taught me to be a stronger Christian for I know that your perceptions of Jesus will be primarily formed through your perceptions of me. I know that your burgeoning faith will have much to do with whether or not daddy lives what he preaches.
• You have taught me to be more patient as I watch you learn.
• You have taught me to be more sensitive. Although I am prone to shrug off any perceived slight or injustice no pain is more acute or real as when you are hurting.
• You have taught me to laugh with your love of life and light-up-the-room smile.
• You have taught me to love with the love of Christ. I would lay down my life for you without the slightest hesitation.

Yes, I do have so much to teach you but it pales in comparison with what you have already been able to get through this hard head of mine.

I am so blessed to be your daddy. To see your love, laughter and spirit. To witness firsthand your love, care and compassion for others.

To stand by your side as you experience the joys, triumphs, disappointments and heartbreaks of life.

I get to learn how to be a daddy because you are the first.

Thankfully I have a great teacher.

Thank you for being my little girl.

Thank you for teaching me so much.

I love you,

daddy