Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Good



A surprise on Valentine's Day
as the Fed Ex truck pulled into my driveway
and the driver promptly rang the bell.

I immediately knew it was flowers as
the green box proudly displayed PRO FLOWERS
on the side.
Having no significant other or even a potential one,
the arrival puzzled me.
Upon further inspection of the box,
I was delighted when I saw it was addressed to my daughter, Becky.
There was only one person I could imagine sending them to her
but I dared not hope as he has never, ever, in 18 years
acknowledged her at Valentine's Day.

I carefully (well, I tried to be careful)
opened the box to find a lovely bouquet,
a Teddy Bear and a small box of chocolates.
My heart was racing as I searched high and low,
inside and outside
for a card.
It took me quite some time to locate it but my heart
almost jumped right out of my chest.
It indeed, was from her Dad.
After ALL of these years, her DAD recongzined,
if even for a brief, fleeting moment
(I apologize for my cynacism but it comes with
valid history).
I have to tell you,
I have never, ever
been so completely overwhelemed by a delivery before.
I will confess. 
I cried.
And then I cried some more.
I couldn't wait until Becky got home!

As we walked in the door,
she quielty asked if there were any Valentine's cards for her,
as she has done all of these years,
always hoping for one from Dad.

Imagine her utter shock at what she
saw sitting on the counter, for her.
Yes, she shook.
Yes, she cried.
Yes, I cried.

I've tried to tell him (beg him, badger him, plead with him)
all of these years how important he is to his children.
Yesterday, he did it.
He showed her his love.
And this mother's heart is full.

If I never have flowers delivered to me in this lifetime,
I will be OK.
My daughter is happy today.
That's all that matters.

I am sorry there is no photo.  They were all taken on her camera which she took
to school to show her teachers and friends.

These are the flowers she insisted
we go into town to buy, for me, from her,
with my money.
See how love grows?


37 comments:

Rohrerbot said...

I like those flowers:) Sometimes little things have a big impact....especially when they are least expected. He may be going through a period of thought and reflection. It seems men generally get wiser and more caring as they get older:)

Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky said...

Oh, my goodness. I'm so happy for her!

My Mind's Eye said...

OH my word...Mom's eyes are blurry with tears at this most wonderful post. All a Mom wants is for her children to be happy. Your cup runneth over with happiness yesterday.
Hugs to you and Becky and
a big well done to her Dad.
Madi and Mom

Dianna said...

My eyes are blurry too. How wonderful. I'm sure Becky was beyond delighted.
Happy for you, too, Mom! 'Cos when our children are happy, WE'RE happy!

Anonymous said...

I know his gesture meant SO very much to both of you. Your heart must have been so full at seeing her find the box on the counter.

Nancy said...

...with your money. It's all good. :)

TexWisGirl said...

absolutely heartwarming...

Judy said...

How sweet, so happy for your daughter.

Kathy said...

Hi Jill,I love all of the wonderful pictures of the wildlife.
Your blog is awesome!! That is why you are one of my picks for the
Liebster Blog Award. Have a great day... luv ya and hugs.

Julie Marie said...

Oooh Jill, the tears are just running down my face!... what a beautiful surprise for your daughter... and the part of the story I love the most?... that she wanted to buy some flowers for her mama... xoxo Julie Marie

Teresa said...

Oh Jill, I can't begin to tell you how happy I am. I admit I got teary eyed but I can't be anything but happy for Becky! Finally, finally he stepped up and acted like a father!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

This is awesome. I am so glad he came through and was able to finally express some love for Becky. May it be the start of a trend!!

Donna said...

Ahhhhh!! I'm thrilled for you Both!!
Finally!
hughugs

Dawnll said...

I am so happy for her and you! Just brought tears to my eyes.Isn't it amazing how it takes so little time to make someones day and so many people never get it.
Bless her heart for wanting to share at school.
Hugs sweetie

Anonymous said...

That's great news - I'm so happy for Becky and for you!
Happy thoughts! Have a lovely Day!

Eva

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

That was so nice of him to finally acknowledge how important she really is. Glad to know she was happy and you were too.
Your flowers are beautiful.

Unknown said...

Have leaky eyes here too! Wonderful news!

Ellie said...

Oh Jill, I am so pleased for you both, you do know that brought a real lump to my throat.
How nice for Becky - it must have truly made her day!!! I hope he does it again for her.

Lois Christensen said...

That was beautiful to read. And yes, there are tears in my eyes as well. Every girl needs her dad and I hope this is the beginning for your daughter!!!

Michaele said...

This post made my heart sing : ) No photos needed.

Susan said...

Oh I am so glad for your daughter and for you! What a darling post!

Susan said...

Thank you for telling us about that beautiful, beautiful moment. Incredibly happy for your Becky - and you xx :D)

Becky said...

Oh my so nice,Im so happy for her as well.Its so nice to hear stories like this.

Blessings to the both of you.

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Lynne said...

Made my day no doubt about it! I am so thrilled for Becky and "over the moon" happy for you Jill! Your smiles are lighting up the skies!

Blessed Serendipity said...

How wonderful for your daughter. I know she will cherish the gesture and the gifts for a long time. I was happy to see that you got some pretty flowers too.

xo,
Danielle

Saun said...

Oh I am so happy for Becky and her momma. What a great Valentine's Day!


Hugs Saun

Elizabeth Edwards said...

what beautiful flowers. how sweet. a tear or two are in my eyes. love is so special. (:

Kerri Farley said...

How wonderful! I'm happy for you both!

Catherine said...

Dear Jill, My heart goes out to your and your daughter. I am happy for you both. Blessings my dear, Catherine xo

Young Adventures... said...

Jill that is so wonderful! What a special day for the both of you.

Chatty Crone said...

I am so glad for her - a miracle. sandie

Donna said...

This is so amazing, Jill! I'm so happy to you, I have tears in my eyes for your sweet daughter, Becky.

Every time you write about sweet Becky, I can feel the love you have in your heart for her. You honestly make up for the absent dad, even though we know nothing really takes the pain of not having a dad there to love us back.

Miracles do happen, and you received one today ~ to see your sweet daughter be so, so happy!

God bless you both, and her dad, for making his little girl so happy (they always want to be daddy's little girl!)

Hugs,
Donna

Donna said...

PS I forgot to tell you, you gift from Becky, it is also beautiful!

ღ Jans Life According To Milo ღ said...

Aww, that is so great, Jill! I am so happy for Becky and lemme tell ya, I was reading this while sitting at Walmart waiting on some scripts to be filled. I got teary eyed right in the middle of all the bussle. I am so glad that Becky finally had her Valentine's hope fulfilled. : ).. She's had a great couple weeks and I hope that she has many, many, many more to come!

Gina Toothe said...

very happy for you and your daughter!

Raindrops and Daisies said...

How did I miss this post Jill????

I am so so delighted for Becky and for you.

I cried reading your words.

Wonderful news.


xxx