What a beautiful testimony of fatherhood you share, friend. It is true that being a parent is a journey full of magical moments and transformations, in my case joy and sorrows. There is nothing like holding that little being in your arms for the first time and watching it grow.
I am touched when you say that your daughter changed without losing that special connection we have with our children. It is true that they teach us as much as we teach them. There is no manual for parenting, the career is learned along the way,
As a dad myself, I understand perfectly what you are describing, that mixture of amazement at seeing their first achievements and excitement at seeing them become unique people. And you've yet to experience other great moments, as they leave childhood behind, graduation and marriage.
You are absolutely right, children don't have to be gifted to be extraordinary. They just need love, patience and presence. And certainly, just like adults.
Thank you for sharing this reflection. It made me remember my own moments with my daughter Sofia and appreciate even more this gift that is being a parent. As you know, she left us when she turned 11. Blessings.
I know the sorrow you speak of and I wonder if it has made your journey with Matthew quite different than it might have been otherwise. Perhaps there are fears you wouldn't have had that are there, but also there are things you enjoy that you might not have paid attention to earlier also. Life changes us too.