She's Growing Up

"I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry." - Rita Rudner

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"My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife, you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher." - Socrates

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"For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked." - Bill Cosby

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"There are two dilemmas that rattle the human skull: How do you hang on to someone who won't stay? And how do you get rid of someone who won't go?" - Danny Divito, The War of the Roses

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"With my wife I don't get no respect. I made a toast on her birthday to 'the best woman a man ever had.' The waiter joined me." -Rodney Dangerfield

I'm still working on my computer issues, so my postings have been a little limited to maybe once a week for a bit. I had another post that I had planned on doing for today but something else come up that set me on a new course. I've reached another milestone in life, or at least another major event that lets you know things have changed and you better learn to deal with it. My daughter had a birthday today. Which is cool. We've been expecting it for a whole year now. What was more of a surprise was when her boyfriend Andrew called me yesterday asking for my blessings to propose to her.




We've all known it would be here at some point. Cassie's been knowing this kid for maybe six years and dating him for at least 4. Had Andrew been a typical knuckle-head, there's no way I would have let that fly. None. People have objected to my ability to intervene since she's over the age of majority, but last I checked, my name is still Pappy and that kind of stuff just doesn't fly with me. But the fact of the matter is this: My daughter is smart. I'm not talking intelligent like with books. She's alright in that department, although she could have done better in college. I'm talking smart as in wise. Sure she's still a kid with lots to learn, but she's not prone to the stupid youthful mistakes you so often see. AND Andrew's quite the credit to his folks. The boy was raised right and knows how to respect a girl, as well as a girl's father. I've watched him closely and listened to his words. I believe in him, but better yet, I believe in Cassie's belief in him.



I still want to hear how they plan on doing all this and what future expectations are, but there's time for all that. The are only engaged. They are not getting married tomorrow. But I still had to take a step back and contemplate what all of this actually means for me. My daughter's getting married. A new man will officially be in her life. Dad has to step aside. I accept that, but rest assured, to me, stepping aside is still with in arm's reach... at least for a while. But that's still a big thing to accept. I recall having to understand and accept when it was no longer cool for my kids to hang around with Dad. I recall becoming an embarrassment to my kids amongst their friends. I dealt with it. Now I have to deal with this. I might be a grandpa at some point which is a big change in one's life. There aren't any grandparents in the clubs! But bigger still, I know for fact that my mom is not in any kind of mood to be labeled GREAT-GRANDMA! It was a huge ordeal for her just to come to grips with chosing a new name for her. Big Mama was a automatic No-Go. She settled on Grandma, but when Cassie's kids learn to talk, I can tell you Great Big Mama won't be an option either.

But anyway, I'll learn to deal with it all. Happy Birthday to Cassie and Congrats to Cassie and Andrew. God Bless you both. And Andrew.... don't do nothing stupid. Be good to my little girl.